Football hall-of-famer Frank Gifford dies at 84

Pro football hall-of-famer and sports broadcaster Frank Gifford has died of natural causes at his home in Connecticut, his family said on Sunday. He was 84.

His family released the following statement:

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. We ask that our privacy be respected at this difficult time and we thank you for your prayers.

Gifford played 12 seasons for the New York Giants and led them to a league championship in 1956.

“Frank was always the star to me. My respect for what he had been through and what he brought with him to New York City and how he performed. Hey, he’s a legend,” former football quarterback and actor Joe Namath told ESPN Classic’s SportsCentury series.

Gifford later had a long career as a sports broadcaster covering “Monday Night Football” and the Olympics.