Gifford, Frank N.
Football
b. Aug. 16, 1930, Santa Monica, CA
The versatile Gifford was a single-wing tailback at the University of Southern California. With the New York Giants, he played in the Pro Bowl seven times, as a defensive back, running back, and flanker.
Gifford joined the Giants in 1952, when he was used primarily on defense. He played both offense and defense in 1953 and also returned punts. But when Vince Lombardi took over as offensive coordinator in 1954, he insisted that Gifford should become a full-time member of the offense.
The 6-foot-1, 195-pound Gifford was named the NFL's player of the year by United Press International in 1956, when he rushed for 819 yards, caught passes for 603 yards, and scored 9 touchdowns. Gifford was named an All-Pro halfback from 1955 through 1957 and in 1959.
He retired after suffering a severe concussion in 1960 but returned to the Giants in 1961 and spent three seasons as a flanker before retiring for good. Gifford then became a sportscaster, working ABC's Monday Night Football and also commenting on skiing events during the Winter Olympics.
In his 12 NFL seasons, he rushed 840 times for 3,609 yards, a 4.3 average, and 34 touchdowns, and he caught 367 passes for 5,434 yards, a 14.8 average, and 43 touchdowns. Gifford also passed for 14 touchdowns on just 63 attempts and returned 2 interceptions for 112 yards and 1 touchdown.
