It is never easy saying goodbye, let alone saying goodbye to someone that thousands regarded as a hero. Former New York Giants running back and wide receiver Frank Gifford passed away Sunday, Aug. 9 at his home in Greenwich, Connecticut. He was 84 years old.
Gifford’s accomplishments on the field led him to become an All-Pro six times throughout his career on the Giants. Teammates and fans alike remember Gifford for his wonderful personality that later made him a wildly popular broadcaster on ABC Sports “Monday Night Football” crew. Gifford’s broadcasting career lasted much longer than his career on the field. Gifford spent 28 years as the star of “Monday Night Football” entertaining fans with his unique insight of the game.
While many younger Giants fans may not be as familiar with Gifford’s career as other Giants greats such as Lawrence Taylor or Phil Simms, Gifford will always be remembered by those who watched him play live or in recordings of games. The lively way that Gifford ran the ball made him a well-known threat throughout the NFL.
Gifford played ball at the University of Southern California until his graduation in 1952. Gifford was drafted in the first round of the 1952 NFL draft being selected 11th overall. In 1956, Gifford led the Giants to the best record in the NFL East and was named the NFL’s most valuable player. Gifford played for the Giants until 1960 when he suffered an injury that sidelined him until 1962. Gifford retired after the 1964 season having played 12 years in the league.
Frank Gifford, along with his broadcasting partner Howard Cosell, was responsible for notifying the nation about the loss of one of their most loved and respected celebrities. On Dec. 8, 1980 during the broadcasting of a “Monday Night Football” between the New England Patriots and the Miami Dolphins, Gifford and Cosell were alerted that John Lennon, former Beatles member and international superstar, was shot and killed outside of his apartment building in New York City. Cosell was the one that told the nation of the tragedy, but not without Gifford sitting next to his side helping his friend and co-worker help announce the heartbreaking news.
The New York Giants have since retired Gifford’s number. The National Football League welcomed Gifford into the Pro Football Hall of Fame as a member of the class of 1977. Gifford won two Emmy Awards for his broadcasting in 1977 for Outstanding Sports Personally and in 1997 for the Lifetime Achievement Award. Frank Gifford will always be remembered for all of his achievements and contributions to the game of football on and off the field.
