Frank Gifford

Date of Birth: August 16, 1930

Zodiac Sign: Leo

Date of Death: August 9, 2015

Biography

Frank Gifford was a celebrated American football player, television sports commentator, and actor. Born Francis Newton Gifford, he grew up in Bakersfield, California, where he excelled in sports from a young age. He played college football at the University of Southern California (USC) and was an All-American running back. Gifford was drafted by the New York Giants in the first round of the 1952 NFL Draft and played his entire career with the team, earning numerous accolades including eight Pro Bowl selections and the NFL MVP award in 1956. After retiring from football, Gifford transitioned to a successful broadcasting career. He became a beloved voice on “Monday Night Football,” where he worked for 27 years. Gifford also made appearances in films and television shows. His career in sports and broadcasting made him a household name and earned him a place in the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1977.

5 Interesting Facts about Frank Gifford

1. Frank Gifford won the NFL MVP award in 1956, the same year the New York Giants won the NFL Championship.

2. He played both offense and defense during his career, a rare feat in modern football.

3. Gifford was named to the NFL’s 1950s All-Decade Team.

4. His broadcasting career included 27 years on “Monday Night Football” as part of one of the most famous announcing teams with Howard Cosell and Don Meredith.

5. Gifford was married to television host Kathie Lee Gifford for nearly 30 years.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Frank Gifford

1. “Pro football is like nuclear warfare. There are no winners, only survivors.”

2. “I’ve always had a great love for the game, and I think I always will.”

3. “In the NFL, you have to be good, but you also have to be lucky.”

4. “The biggest challenge when you’re a broadcaster is that you have to be perfect from the start.”

5. “You can always tell the character of a person by how they treat those who can do nothing for them.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

Frank Gifford’s highest net worth was estimated to be around $18 million.

Children

Frank Gifford had five children. He had three children with his first wife, Maxine Avis Ewart: Jeff, Kyle, and Victoria. With his second wife, Kathie Lee Gifford, he had two children: Cody Newton Gifford and Cassidy Erin Gifford.