Legendary Monday Night Football Sportscaster Frank Gifford Dies at 84

Frank Gifford, former New York Giants football star and popular Monday Night Footballsportscaster, died Sunday at his home in Connecticut of natural causes, his family confirmed. He was 84.

"It is with the deepest sadness that we announce the sudden passing of our beloved husband, father and friend, Frank Gifford," the family said in a statement.

"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," the statement continued. "We ask that our privacy be respected at this difficult time and we thank you for your prayers."

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An All-American athlete at USC and a member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame, Gifford made eight Pro Bowl appearances and led the Giants to victory over the Chicago Bears in the NFL Championship in 1956.

Although his football career was impressive, Gifford's work off the field was just as notable. From 1971 until 1998, he served as both a play-by-play announcer and a commentator on ABC's Monday Night Football alongside men like Howard Cosell and "Dandy" Don Meredith.

He also covered the Olympics, hosted Wide World of Sports programs, and appeared as a guest host on Good Morning America, where he met his third wife, current Today co-host Kathie Lee Gifford. In 1995, he was honored with the Pete Rozelle Award for his contributions to radio and television in pro football.

Gifford is survived by his wife Kathie Lee and their children Cody and Cassidy, as well as children Jeff, Kyle, and Victoria from a previous marriage.