Frank Gifford, football hall of famer, "Monday Night Football" commentator, and husband of Kathie Lee Gifford, died Sunday at the age of 84.
"It is with the deepest sadness that we announce the sudden passing of our beloved husband, father and friend, Frank Gifford," said a statement from the Gifford family,
NBC reported.
"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."
As The New York Times reported, Gifford was drafted to the New York Giants in 1952 after attending the University of Southern California on a football scholarship, and his high-profile career soon helped the NFL wrestle the national sports spotlight from college football and the MLB. He played running back, defensive back, wide receiver, and occasionally appeared on special teams.
Over the course of his career, Gifford "made seven consecutive Pro Bowls," was "named to the all-NFL first team four times and helped the Giants reach three NFL championship games" before retiring in 1961.
He returned to the NFL in 1962 after missing only one season, and made the Pro Bowl once more in 1963.
"Frank Gifford was the ultimate Giant," John Mara, the team’s president, said in a statement on Sunday. "He was the face of our franchise for so many years."
After an illustrious career on the field, Gifford joined "Monday Night Football" in 1971, then in its second season.
He married Kathie Lee Epstein in 1986. It was his second marriage.
In addition to her, Gifford is survived by their son, Cody, and their daughter, Cassidy. He is also survived by sons Jeff and Kyle and daughter Victoria from his first marriage.
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