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Doctors found out after his death
Frank Gifford, former New York Giants football player turned NFL announcer, died from a concussion-related brain disease, People reports.
Gifford's family revealed on Wednesday that the sports icon - who passed away in August - suffered from Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE). The condition was discovered after the family had his brain studied after his death.
"We decided to disclose our loved one's condition to honor Frank's legacy of promoting player safety dating back to his involvement in the formation of the NFL Players Association in the 1950s," the Gifford family tells People.
"His entire adult life Frank was a champion for others, but especially for those without the means or platform to have their voices heard. He was a man who loved the National Football League until the day he passed, and one who recognized that it was-and will continue to be-the players who elevated this sport to its singular stature in American society."
Kathie Lee Gifford pays tribute to late husband on Today: He was at complete peace
The family hopes that by disclosing Gifford's condition they are encouraging conversation about a condition that is still a prevalent problem amongst professional football players.
Also part of that discussion will be the film condition Concussion, in which Will Smith plays real-life Dr. Benet Omalu who first discovered CTE in Pittsburgh Steelers player Mike Webster.
Even in wake of the findings, Gifford's family will continue to support the NFL who've made "recent on-field rule changes and procedures to make the game Frank loved so dearly - and the players he advocated so tirelessly for--as safe as possible."
Watch: Will Smith says Concussion made him look at his sons playing football differently.