Frank Gifford 1930–2015

By Neil Dutton

With each new football season comes six new names added to the Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio. The ceremony of induction is followed a day later by the first preseason game of the year. The 2015 inductees have joined the ranks of footballing immortals, in the sense that their names and deeds will live forever. Sadly, on Hall of Fame weekend, we are once more reminded that Father Time is undefeated, and one of the legends honoured by a bust of his image has left the scene forever.

Frank Gifford, who died on August 9th, was a true footballing legend. He was named to eight Pro Bowls as a player, at an astonishing THREE different positions. Primarily, he’ll be remembered best for his deeds at half back, where he was an essential cog in the New York Giants offense under Vince Lombardi. In 1956, he was named the leagues Most Valuable Player, a fitting award for a man who was pivotal in the G Men carrying off the NFL Championship. He also played in the famous 1958 NFL Championship game between the Giants and Johnny Unitas Baltimore Colts. The match has become known as “The Greatest Game Ever Played”, though Gifford had less than fond memories of the game. After fumbling twice early on, with both leading to Colts touchdowns, late in the game Gifford attempted a rush to gain a first down that would have sealed the game. For many years after the event, Gifford swore that he made the first down, but the officials crucially did not agree. The Giants punted, Unitas forced overtime, and Pro Football was never the same again.

Gifford will forever be linked in Philadelphia Eagles folklore after suffering a brutal hit from Chuck Bednarik in 1960. “The Hit” sent Gifford to the hospital for over a week, and robbed him of nearly two seasons, but on his return in 1962 (now at wide receiver) he showed his class, winning Comeback Player of the Year honours. His legendary playing career ended following the 1964 season, but a second career would once again catapult him into stardom. In 1971, he became a play by play announcer on “Monday Night Football”, a role he filled until 1997. It was during a broadcast on Monday December 8th 1980 that Gifford convinced Howard Cosell to “say what we know in the booth” and announce to the viewing audience that John Lennon had been murdered. At the time of the announcement, an English kicker named John Smith was lining up to attempt a field goal for the New England Patriots. Smith would later be Gifford’s cohost on Channel 4’s NFL coverage in the mid 1980s.

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John Mara, co-owner of the only pro team Gifford ever wore a uniform for, called him “the ultimate Giant”, while his partner with the team Steve Tisch called him a “Giants Giant”. Big Blue has lost one of its greatest players, and probably its biggest star of the 1950s. Considering the team was coached on offense by Lombardi and on defense by Tom Landry during this period, I don’t think there can be higher praise. They don’t make them like Gifford any more.

Neil Dutton is the Lead Fantasy Football Writer for UKEndZone. You can find him on Twitter @NDutton13 and listen to his podcast here. Or join in the conversation @UKEndZone, in the comment section below or on our Facebook Page.