LOS ANGELES (Variety.com) -- Frank Gifford, the former New York Giants star who successfully transitioned to a long career as a sportscaster on TV and radio, died Sunday of natural causes at his home in Connecticut. He was 84.
NBC News confirmed Gifford's death in a statement. Gifford was the husband of "Today" anchor Kathie Lee Gifford.
"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 was a pillar of the "Monday Night Football" broadcast team from 1971 through 1985. He was often considered the straight man and the sober analyst in comparison to Howard Cosell and Don Meredith.
Gifford worked as a sportscaster for CBS before joining NBC. He was a receiver and running back for the New York Giants from 1952 through 1965. He entered the NFL Hall of Fame in 1975.
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Born in Santa Monica in 1930, Gifford attended USC on a football scholarship and went pro, as a No. 1 draft pick, after graduating in 1952. He married Kathie Lee Gifford in 1986.
In addition to his wife, survivors include a son and daughter.
