New York Giants Hall of Famer Frank Gifford dead at 84

It is with a heavy heart that we are informing our readers of Frank Gifford's passing. Gifford was a Hall of Famer and cherished sportscaster who spent his entire 12-year football career with the New York Giants. The New York Daily News is reporting that the 84-year-old passed away at his family home in Connecticut as a result of natural causes.

During his time on the field, Gifford was named to eight Pro-Bowl teams, six All-Pro selections and helped the 1956 Giants to a championship title, playing his way to MVP honors along the way. He capped his career with induction to both the College Football and Pro Football Hall of Fame, and his #16 jersey is one of only twelve numbers retired by New York. Perhaps the most impressive of all his accomplishments was Gifford's versatility as a football player, as he earned trips to the Pro-Bowl at three different positions (running back, wide-receiver, defensive back).

Gifford was also a member of the Giants team that lost the 1958 title game against the Baltimore Colts, a game referred to by many as "the greatest game ever played", and spawning a book of the same name. Gifford was the dynamic player of his generation. The sport, and fans everywhere, are better off because of what he brought to the game.

In a statement released by team owner, John Mara, he spoke well about the late two-way player. "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", said Mara, "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."

On Hall of Fame weekend, the Giants lost a surviving member of the gold-jacket club. Rest in peace, in blue and in gold, Francis Newton Gifford.