Sunday, August 9, 2015

Frank Gifford (1930-2015)

I would not be at all surprised if prior to tonight's NFL Hall of Fame game between Pittsburgh & Minnesota, there was a moment of silent prayer & remembrance of Hall of Famer Frank Gifford. The former running back of the Giants, and, later, ABC sportscaster, passed away today at 84, one week shy of his 85th birthday.

I didn't get to see Gifford play on TV. However, I had read of him, and was acquainted with his work at ABC via Wide World of Sports and, of course, Monday Night Football. Gifford replaced Keith Jackson in season 2 of MNF, though some people might think the smarter move would've been to displace the overly talkative Howard Cosell. Gifford remained on MNF until 1998. He covered other sports on Wide World, and also covered several Olympic Games for ABC.

Let's take you back to 1971, a preseason game between Kansas City and the Jets, and Gifford's debut in the MNF booth.




I would imagine the Giants will honor him with a patch on their uniforms, starting with their first preseason game next weekend.

Rest in peace, Frank.

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