NFL legend, sportscaster Frank Gifford dies

Our thoughts go out to the Gifford family during this hard time.

Rest in peace, Mr. Gifford.

In all, Gifford was arguably the most recognizable face of football for decades.

Pro Football Hall of Famer Frank Gifford has died. As a broadcaster who developed a smooth style and blended easily with the more strident voices around him – including the cantankerous Howard Cosell – Gifford shared with us his formidable football knowledge. 16, his jersey number, had been retired in 2000 by the team.

Gifford, who graduated from the University of Southern California in 1952, was named an All-American athlete and player.

Gifford’s notoriety transcended the gridiron, and he became a matinee idol in New York on par with contemporaries like iconic Yankees slugger Mickey Mantle. “When he showed up here, we knew we were going to laugh”. He also interviewed many top sports figures over his TV career, including legendary boxer Muhammad Ali. Pioneer on and off the football field and a sad day for me!

Gifford’s athletic career started in 1952 and ended in 1964 – the era before the Super Bowl, when the Pro-Bowl was a main event.

He experienced both the highs & the lows while he was a player.

His best season came in 1956 when he leaf the Giants to an NFL championship over the Chicago Bears and won the NFL’s Most Valuable Player award. Head injuries like Gifford’s have recently been the focus of criticism against the NFL.

As tough as they come, he recovered, he returned to the NFL in 1962, moving from running back to wide receiver. Early in his career, he also served as a punt and kick returner but he stopped doing that after the 1955 season. He became one of the first American sports stars to shift into television sportscasting. Induction in the Pro Football Hall of Fame in ’77.

Sending lots of love to Kathie Lee, and rest in peace, Frank-you will certainly be remembered for your spirit and legacy! In total, Gifford found the end zone 77 times on the offensive side of the football.

Gifford died a week shy of his 85th birthday. He was filling in for David Hartman on “Good Morning America” when the two crossed paths around 5:30 in the morning while he was getting ready.

The Gifford family close friends with the Kardashian-Jenner clan.

“And I asked who that was, and it was Kathie Lee Johnson”.

“I can’t see allowing for that news flash, can you?” “But that’s her”. He’s survived by his wife, Kathie Lee, and their son, Cody, and daughter, Cassidy.

The rosy picture was shattered in 1997 by news that Gifford was having an affair.

Gifford had a very successful run in the booth, as he holds the record of 411 announced games on Monday Night Football.