Remembering New York Giants’ Legend Frank Gifford
By John Tolis
Yesterday, the New York Giants‘ and the NFL lost a man that will undoubtedly be remembered in history, the great legend Frank Gifford. It was reported last night that the NFL Hall of Fame member died in his home in Connecticut at the age of 84. Today, we remember the endless qualities that Gifford brought everyday from the gridiron to the press box.
Hailing from California, Gifford was picked up by the Giants in the first round of the 1952 draft and was part of the Gmen for 12 years. Gifford defined the term of a true American football athlete has he played multiple positions on offense and defense. He was primary a running back until he suffered a hard tackle in 1960 that sidelined him for two seasons. He also played defensive back and came back on the offense in 1962 as a wide receiver.
Gifford’s arm was also put into use as he completed 29 out of 63 passes while 14 of them were touchdowns, the most of any non-quarterback in NFL history till this day. In his 136 regular season match-ups, Gifford tallied up 3,609 rushing yards while scoring 34 touchdowns on 840 carries. He also received for 5,434 yards and 43 touchdowns with 367 grabs.
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Gifford’s most influential season came in 1956 when he was awarded the Most Valuable Player and lifted the NFL Title with the Giants over the Chicago Bears. He’s been selected to the Pro Bowl eight times and the All-Pro squad six times. All these achievements didn’t come unnoticed as Gifford was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1976 and had his number 16 jersey retired.
Following the 1964 season, Gifford declared retirement, but still managed to stay close to the game he loved the most. The Giants’ legend stepped into the broadcasting world and became mainly as an NFL commentator for CBS. In 1971, Gifford’s big move happened when he filled in for Keith Jackson as a play-by-play announcer for ABC’s Monday Night Football and didn’t leave until 1986.
Besides covering football, Gifford put his reporting skills to the test for the 1972 Olympic Games where he covered basketball, golf and skiing. Even with the cleats hung up, Gifford kept on collecting accolades as in 1977 he received an Emmy for Outstanding Sports Personality and the Lifetime Achievement Award.
Gifford was everything anybody could ask for not only in an athlete, but in a person. His athleticism, work ethic and personality were a joy to behold on and off the field. Besides his stats, Gifford will forever be embedded in Giants’ history for endless reasons. He was the gridiron master and was part of the glory years for those New York Football Giants.
"“Frank Gifford was the ultimate Giant. He was the face of our franchise for so many years. More importantly, he was a treasured member of our family.”"
Giants’ President John Mara stated.
"“My father loved him like a son and was proud to act as his presenter for the Pro Football Hall of Fame, a favor Frank returned years later by presenting my father in Canton. 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.”"
Gifford’s name will forever be remembered in Giants’ and NFL history. He will go down as one of the pioneers that engineered football to what it is today and also one of the first athletes that made the transition from player to broadcaster.
One word that sticks out when speaking about Gifford is diverse. He always showed a great deal of variety evidently playing football and career paths. No matter what he switched to, he excelled, which is why he succeeded the way he did.
As a member of the Giants’ family, the number 16 will only and always be known for the legendary Frank Gifford.