Sportscaster and NFL Hall-of-Famer Frank Gifford passed away Sunday, his family said.
Gifford, who was married to NBC news personality Kathie Lee Gifford, died of natural causes in Connecticut. He was 84 years old.
“It is with the deepest sadness that we announce the sudden passing of our beloved husband, father and friend, Frank Gifford," the family said in a statement. “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, who playedfor the New York Giants for 12 season in the 1950s and 1960s and was inducted into the NFL Hall of Fame in 1977, gained fame as a broadcaster as part of ABC’s Monday Night Football telecast team with Don Meredith and Howard Cosell during the late 1970s through the mid 1990s.
Bob Iger, chairman and chief executive officer, The Walt Disney Company said in a statement about Gifford's passing: "Frank Gifford was an exceptional man who will be missed by everyone who had the joy of seeing his talent on the field, the pleasure of watching his broadcasts, or the honor of knowing him. His many achievements were defined by a quiet dignity and a personal grace that is seldom seen in any arena; he truly embodied the very best of us. Frank’s contributions to ABC Sports and our company are immeasurable. We are honored to call him a Disney Legend and I am very fortunate to have called him a dear friend and colleague. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family at this difficult time."
