Pro Football Hall of Famer Frank Gifford dies at age 84

Most middle-aged football fans might remember Frank Gifford best for being part of one of the most famous broadcasting teams in sports history, but long before that he was one of the most versatile players the NFL has ever seen. He was a Pro Football Hall of Famer for his great career with the New York Giants.

Gifford died Sunday morning at age 84. The family announced the news and it was reported by multiple outlets, including NBC's "Today" show, of which Gifford's wife Kathie Lee Gifford is still a co-host.

"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, via "Today." "Frank died suddenly this beautiful Sunday morning of natural causes at his Connecticut home. 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. We ask that our privacy be respected at this difficult time and we thank you for your prayers."

Gifford was an All-American at USC, playing offense and defense. He was a first-round pick by the Giants in 1952, and in 1953 he played both sides of the ball. He eventually settled into a great career on offense as a halfback and later on, as a flanker. He was the UPI's choice for NFL MVP in 1956. Four times he was named first-team All-Pro. He made eight Pro Bowls, at defensive back, halfback and flanker. He played for the Giants from 1952-60, then came out of retirement to play with the Giants from 1962-64.

Gifford became a star off the field after he was done playing. He was part of the broadcast booth of "Monday Night Football" from 1971, the show's second season, to 1997. The booth of Gifford, Howard Cosell and Don Meredith in the late 1970s and early 1980s was one of the reasons "Monday Night Football" became a smashing success not just as a football broadcast, but a pop culture phenomenon.

Gifford was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1977.