Pro Football Hall of Famer Frank Gifford dead at 84

Frank Gifford, a golden boy who helped usher the NFL into its golden age, died Sunday, exactly a week shy of his 85th birthday.

His family released a statement through NBC, which read in part: “It is with the deepest sadness that we announce the sudden passing of our beloved husband, father and friend, Frank Gifford. 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.”

Gifford was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1977, 13 years after his 12-season career with the New York Giants concluded. A first-round draft pick in 1952 after an All-America stint at USC, Gifford's best season occurred in 1956, when he led the league with 1,422 yards from scrimmage on his way to MVP honors and helped the Giants win the NFL championship.

Two years later, he fumbled twice in New York’s 23-17 overtime loss to the Baltimore Colts in the NFL title game, famously dubbed “The Greatest Game Ever Played” and often cited as the contest that helped launch the league’s now meteoric popularity.

Gifford’s fame transcended the gridiron, and he became a matinee idol in New York on par with contemporaries like iconic Yankees slugger Mickey Mantle.

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"Frank Gifford was the ultimate Giant,” team co-owner John Mara said in a statement. “He was the face of our franchise for so many years.  
“For my siblings and me, Frank was like a revered older brother whom we looked up to and admired. We loved him and will miss him terribly."

A four-time all-pro who played halfback, receiver and defensive back at various points in his career, Gifford retired after the 1960 season after suffering a severe concussion following an infamous hit from Philadelphia Eagles linebacker Chuck Bednarik, who stood over an inert Gifford following the tackle. But Gifford resumed his career in 1962 and played three more seasons.

After retiring as a player, Gifford remained in the spotlight and continued to advance the NFL's popularity as a member of the Monday Night Football booth for more than a quarter-century. He famously teamed with Don Meredith and Howard Cosell in the 1970s when MNF became a cultural touchstone.

"Frank's talent and charisma on the field and on the air were important elements in the growth and popularity of the modern NFL," NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell said in a statement. "He was a great friend to everyone in the league, a special advisor to NFL commissioners, and served NFL fans with enormous distinction for so many decades. We will always remember Frank's contributions and miss his friendship."

Gifford’s marriage to Kathie Lee Gifford also elevated his profile in pop culture.

“I always loved seeing Frank on our sideline before our games,” said Giants co-owner Steve Tisch. “He had the handshake of a 25-year old, and he looked you right in the eye with his big blue eyes. He was such a strong person in every way. He will be missed and will always be remembered as a Giants' Giant."

PHOTOS: Frank Gifford's life

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