Frank Gifford

Easton Press Frank Gifford books

The Glory Game - Signed Edition - 2009

 

Football broadcaster Frank Gifford

Frank Gifford, born on August 16, 1930, in Santa Monica, California, was a versatile American athlete and sports broadcaster who left an enduring legacy in the world of football and television. Gifford's remarkable career unfolded across the mid-20th century, showcasing his talents as a professional football player and later as a beloved sports commentator. Gifford's journey into the limelight began at the University of Southern California, where he played college football and demonstrated exceptional skill as a running back and receiver. His standout performances earned him All-American honors, and he eventually became the recipient of the prestigious Heisman Trophy in 1952.

In 1952, Frank Gifford made the leap to the National Football League (NFL) when the New York Giants selected him in the first round of the draft. Throughout his illustrious playing career, which spanned from 1952 to 1964, Gifford showcased his versatility by excelling in various positions, including running back, wide receiver, and defensive back. His dynamic style of play earned him multiple Pro Bowl selections and secured his place as one of the Giants' all-time greats. Gifford's contributions to the sport extended beyond the field. His leadership and charisma led him to the role of team captain, and he played a pivotal part in guiding the Giants to a league championship in 1956. However, his football career was briefly interrupted in 1961 when he suffered a severe injury, a hit that would later become infamous and spark debates about player safety.

After retiring as a player, Gifford seamlessly transitioned into a successful career in sports broadcasting. His charm, knowledge of the game, and on-screen presence made him a fixture on "Monday Night Football," where he served as a commentator for over a quarter of a century, from 1971 to 1997. Gifford's articulate analysis and rapport with his colleagues, such as Howard Cosell and Don Meredith, contributed to the program's iconic status and popularity.

Outside of football and broadcasting, Frank Gifford's personal life occasionally made headlines. In 1986, he married television host and former flight attendant Kathie Lee Epstein. The couple became a prominent fixture in the entertainment industry, and their marriage lasted until Gifford's passing. Frank Gifford passed away on August 9, 2015, at the age of 84. His impact on the NFL, both as a player and as a broadcaster, earned him a spot in the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1977. Gifford's enduring influence on the sport and his warm presence on television continue to be remembered by fans and colleagues alike, marking him as a true legend in the world of American football.

 

The Glory Game - How the 1958 NFL Championship Changed Football Forever

The Glory Game recreates in breathtaking detail the 1958 National Football League Championship Game between the New York Giants and the Baltimore Colts, which many football fans feel was “The Greatest Game Ever Played.” This first-hand, field level, “behind-the-helmet” account by ex-Giant Hall of Famer and longtime “Monday Night Football” broadcaster Frank Gifford brings back to life all the sights and sounds of the momentous contest that changed football forever, and offers vivid, indelible portraits of the legendary players including Sam Huff, Andy Robustelli, Art Donovan, Lenny Moore, and Raymond Berry. The Giants-Colts clash of ’58 was truly The Glory Game and now readers can relive it in all its glory.

“Frank Gifford brings the contest so alive that you find yourself almost wondering, 50 years later, how it will turn out in the end.” - New York Times Book Review