Hall of Famer Frank Gifford passes away at 84

Hall of Fame and NFL legend Frank Gifford passed away this Sunday Morning. He was 84-years-old and was believed to have passed due to natural causes.

Gifford’s family released this statement in the wake of his passing:

“We rejoice in the extraordinary life he was privileged to live, and we feel grateful and blessed to have been loved by such an amazing human being,” Gifford’s family said, “We ask that our privacy be respected at this difficult time and we thank you for your prayers.”

Gifford was married to NBC’s talk show host, Kathie Lee Gifford. He had five children, Cassidy, Cody, Victoria, Jeff and Kyle.

Gifford began his football career at USC, where he was named an All-American and later a first round draft selection by the New York Giants.

With the Giants, he was a huge attraction on and off the field. He brought a lot of attention to the team and used that as something he tried to make up for with his play.

Gifford played on the offensive and defensive side of the ball for many portions of his career. He was elected to eight Pro Bowls at three different positions: defensive back, running back, and wide receiver.

In 1956, he was named the NFL’s Most Valuable Player. In 1960, he suffered a concussion by taking a vicious hit by Eagles linebacker Chuck Bednarik, which knocked Gifford out of pads for about 18 months. 

He decided to retire after this injury, but after the 1961 season, decided to return to the field. 

Despite his absence, Gifford became great once again, but this time – at wide receiver. He played two more seasons after coming back, making the Pro Bowl in 1963.

In 1964, Gifford hung up the cleats for good. He rushed for 3,609 yards and 34 touchdowns, caught for 5,434 yards and 43 touchdowns, and even threw for 823 yards and 14 touchdowns, an NFL record for most touchdowns by a non-quarterback. 

Gifford was one of the most versatile players in history, and for that, was inducted to the College Football Hall of Fame and Pro Football Hall of Fame.

After he retired from football, he went to the sidelines, where he would commentate Monday Night Football. He was a member of that crew for 17 seasons, all of which, was beloved by fans everywhere.

The world lost a legend today. He was a respected and beloved man, who was one of the greatest to ever play football.

Rest in Peace, Frank Gifford.