R.I.P. Frank Gifford, NFL Hall of Famer and Monday Night Football broadcaster
Pro Football Hall of Famer and sportscaster Frank Gifford died from natural causes at his home in Greenwich, Connecticut yesterday, Sunday, August 9th. He was 84 years old.
Gifford was an All-American at USC, where he played both offense and defense. In 1952 he was a first-round draft pick for the New York Giants, and in 1956, he was named the NFL’s Most Valuable Player and helped bring the team a league championship. In a 1960 game against the Philadelphia Eagles, Gifford was knocked out by Chuck Bednarik on a passing play; The resulting “deep brain concussion” led Gifford to retire from football in 1961. During this time, Gifford dabbled in broadcasting on sports radio as well as scouting for the Giants. Eighteen months later, Gifford returned to the Giants, changing positions from running back to flanker, a position now known as wide receiver. Despite almost two years away from the game and having to learn a new position, Gifford’s second run with the Giants was also successful. Gifford played a total of 12 seasons with the New York Giants and ties Walter Payton for the most interceptions thrown by a non-quarterback in NFL history.