Giants Legend Frank Gifford Passes Away at age 84
By Jesse Connor
Pro Football Hall Of Famer and New York Giant great Frank Gifford passed away this weekend at the age of 84.
Gifford was drafted by the Giants in the first round of the 1952 draft out of USC. Despite playing tailback for the Trojans Gifford started his NFL career on the defensive side of the ball earning Pro-Bowl recognition as a rookie.
Gifford’s talents far exceeded one position and he soon became the jack of all trades for the Giants. Over the course of his career Gifford played numerous positions. He is most widely known for his time as the Giants halfback but he also flashed his talents as a receiver, kick and punt returner, a place kicker, coverage man on kickoffs, and eventhrew the ball 63 times over his career.
During a 5 year span from 1955 to 1959 Gifford lead the Giants in both rushing and receiving, scoring no less than 7 touchdowns in a season. Over that span Gifford scored a total of 42 touchdowns and threw for 9 more.
1956 was Gifford’s best season. Both on a personal and team level. That season Gifford was named the NFL’s MVP. He averaged 5.2
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yards per carry on his way to 819 yards and 5 scores on the ground while hauling in 51 passes for 603 yards and an additional 4 touchdowns. He also completed 2 passes that season, both going for touchdowns.
Most importantly the Giants won the NFL Championship that season defeating the Chicago Bears by a score of 47-7. Gifford caught a 14 yard pass from quarterback Charlie Conerly in the 4th quarter to put the nail in the Bears coffin and lock up the Giants 4th NFL Title.
Gifford called it a career after the 1964 season. He finished his distinguished career with 10,693 total yards. 3,609 on the ground ; 5,434 as a receiver, 823 through the air, 715 as a return man, and 112 on interception returns. To go along with the impressive and eclectic yard totals Gifford scored a total of 92 touchdowns. 34 on the ground, 43 as a receiver, 14 through the air and 1 more on defense. He was an 8 time Pro-Bowler and 4 time First Team All-Pro.
His 78 touchdowns as a receiver/runner are still the most by any Giant and his 14 touchdown passes are the most ever by a non-quarterback.
Despite his wild success, Gifford remained humble and always credited his blockers for paving the way for him and his receivers for drawing coverage. He was elected into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1977.
After his playing days he re-located to the broadcasting booth where he called games from 1965 to 1998.
The Giants retired Gifford’s number 16 in the year 2000, he is the last Giant to have his number retired.
All of us here at GmenHQ.com would like to send our best to the family and friends of Frank Gifford.