Frank Gifford, NFL and Broadcasting Legend, Dies at 84

Frank Gifford, the NFL Hall of Famer who went on to a lengthy, decades-long broadcast career (including Monday Night Football), has died. He was 84.

NBC News (where Gifford’s wife, Kathie Lee Gifford works on the fourth hour of Today) released this statement from the Gifford family:

“It is with the deepest sadness that we announce the sudden passing of our beloved husband, father and friend, Frank Gifford. Frank died suddenly this beautiful Sunday morning of natural causes at his Connecticut home. 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. We ask that our privacy be respected at this difficult time and we thank you for your prayers.”

Gifford was a part of the famed 1970s ABC Monday Night Football announcing team, which also included Howard Cosell and Don Meredith. At ABC, he also was featured on Wide World of Sports. He was with Monday Night Football from 1971 to 1997.

Gifford played with USC in college before joining the New York Giants as the team’s top draft pick in 1952. Gifford was the NFL’s MVP in 1955, when he brought the Giants to the league championship, and eventually retired in 1964. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1977.

Gifford also made several TV and movie appearances over the years, playing himself on Spin City and Coach and in Jerry McGuire.