Remembering Frank Gifford: 10 Unbelievable Facts

Alright. I’ll be the first to admit that “unbelievable” may be hyperbole. However, there are tremendous things this generation most likely doesn’t know about that guy who was married to Kathie Lee.

Frank Gifford was an All-American, once-in-a-generation-type talent. The man, although flawed like the rest of us, was a champion among many realms before dying peacefully Sunday in his home in Connecticut at the age of 84.

Here are 10 solid things to remember Gifford by.

1. Frank Gifford started his career as a Driller.

Before all the major accolades, Gifford won a 1947 Central (Valley) Section championship with the Bakersfield High School Drillers. He then spent one year at Bakersfield College before transferring to USC.

“He was a typical Bakersfield guy, a Levi’s, T-shirt-type of guy, until he got into the NFL. He was a really good guy,” remembered former BC coach Carl Bowser, who was the Renegades’ water boy when Gifford played at BC. – Bakersfield.com

2. Gifford could have been a movie star

He played defensive back for two years at USC before switching to tailback in 1951, which would lead to his first All-American honor. But during his time at Southern Cal, he appeared in several films, including 1959’s “Up Periscope.”

3. The Mickey Mantle of football

Gifford was drafted in the first round of the 1952 NFL Draft at 11th overall. For the next decade he would become the most popular football star in the city, and one of the most widely known faces in the sports world. Over 12 seasons, Gifford made 8 Pro Bowls and led the Giants to the NFL Championship in 1956 after also winning the season’s MVP award.

In 1953 he even averaged almost 50 minutes a game playing both defense and offense — unheard of in today’s game.

4. Frank of all trades

During his career, all as a Giant, Gifford played running back, defensive back, wide receiver and special teams, going to the Pro Bowl at three different positions. His 5,434 yards as a receiver were a Giants record for 39 years until Amani Toomer broke the mark in 2003. His jersey number, 16, was retired by the team in 2000.

5. “The greatest game ever played.”

Gifford was a main component in what has been recognized as the most transcendent game in the sport’s history — The 1958 NFL championship between the Giants and Baltimore Colts.

Gifford had two early fumbles in the game and Johnny Unitas capped the contest with an overtime drive that led to a 23-17 Colts victory in what was the league’s first overtime game (sudden death).

6. He never remembered one of the roughest hits in NFL history

Nov. 20, 1960 — Yankee Stadium. Down 17-10 to the Eagles late in the game, Gifford was essentially clotheslined by a very rough but legal hit by future Hall-of-Famer Chuck Bednarik. The play was so devastating players on the field thought Gifford was dead.

Gifford spent 10 days in the hospital suffering from a fractured vertebrae and a concussion, not remembering the play that almost ended his career. Gifford wouldn’t return to football until the 1962 season. He would play three more years, earning one more Pro Bowl trip.

7. One of the voices of “Monday Night Football.”

Gifford broadcasted on the innovative Monday night program from 1971-1998. Initially replacing the famous Keith Jackson, he would go on to announce a record 411 Monday Night Football games for ABC.

Here is his debut with the iconic Howard Cosell — fascinating to watch.