Frank Gifford dead: NFL Hall of Fame member, Monday Night Football sportscaster was 84

Frank Gifford, NFL legend and sportscaster for Monday Night Football, has died at the age of 84.

Gifford died Sunday at his home in Connecticut of natural causes, his family confirmed in a statement.

“It is with the deepest sadness that we announce the sudden passing of our beloved husband, father and friend, Frank Gifford,” the statement said. “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 played football for the New York Giants from 1952 to 1964. During that time, his team was featured in the Pro-Bowl several times and he was dubbed league MVP in 1956 after helping the Giants earn a championship. He played various positions over his athletic career, and in 1977 he was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

Afterwards, Gifford became a sportscaster for CBS and then eventually the co-host of Monday Night Football until 1985. He also appeared in a number of films, including the 1959 movie Up Periscope.

He is survived by his third wife, Today co-host Kathie Lee Gifford, their two children, and his three children from his first marriage to Maxine Avis Ewart.