It’s 8-time Pro Bowler and NFL Hall of Famer Frank Gifford!
Frank Gifford was a renowned football player, sportscaster, and television personality. He was born on August 16, 1930, in Santa Monica, California and passed away on August 9, 2015, in Greenwich, Connecticut.
Gifford played college football at the University of Southern California, where he excelled as a running back and defensive back. He earned All-American honors in 1950 and won the prestigious Maxwell Award for the best college football player in the nation.
In 1952, he was drafted by the New York Giants in the first round of the NFL Draft. He became one of the team’s most versatile players, known for his exceptional skills both as a running back and as a receiver. Gifford was instrumental in leading the Giants to several successful seasons, including a championship victory in the 1956 NFL Championship Game. During his football career, he was selected to the Pro Bowl eight times.
Unfortunately, his career took a major setback in 1960 when he suffered a severe injury on the field. A devastating tackle caused a serious head injury that led to a one-year absence from football. Gifford made a remarkable comeback in 1962, transitioning to a new position as a flanker, and continued to play until his retirement in 1964.
After retiring from football, Gifford ventured into sports broadcasting. He joined ABC’s “Monday Night Football” as a commentator in 1971, working alongside Howard Cosell and Don Meredith. Gifford’s calm and authoritative presence in the booth contributed significantly to the broadcast’s success, and he became a beloved figure in the world of sports broadcasting.
Aside from his broadcasting career, Gifford appeared in several television shows and movies. He co-hosted the talk show “Live! with Regis and Kathie Lee” alongside Kathie Lee Gifford (his second wife) from 1985 to 2000. He also had acting roles in movies like “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button” and TV series such as “Coach” and “Spin City.”
Gifford’s personal life gained media attention due to his relationships and some controversial incidents. He was married twice; first to Maxine Avis Ewart (1952-1978), with whom he had three children, and then to Kathie Lee Gifford (1986 until his death in 2015), with whom he had two children.
Throughout his life, Frank Gifford was known for his charm, charisma, and passion for football. His contributions to the sport and broadcasting industry left a lasting legacy, and he remains an iconic figure in American sports history.
