Former football player and veteran sports journalist Frank Gifford has died at the age of 84.

In a statement released to NBC News, the Gifford family confirmed the passing. “It is with the deepest sadness that we announce the sudden passing of our beloved husband, father and friend, Frank Gifford. 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 played for the New York Giants from 1952 until 1965. Even while an active player, Gifford appeared as a regular sports broadcaster on CBS, ABC and on the radio and eventually became a regular on Monday Night Football as well as Wide World of Sports. He also wrote and co-wrote several books on football. In 1975, Gifford was elected to the National Football Foundation Football Hall of Fame and in 1977, he won an Emmy for Outstanding Sports Personality.

Gifford was married to talk show host Kathie Lee Gifford.

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