Frank Gifford, a Pro Football Hall of Fame halfback for the New York Giants and Monday Night Football sportscaster, died Sunday at his home in Connecticut. He was 84.

The Gifford family confirmed the news with a statement that read, “It is with the deepest sadness that we announce the sudden passing of our beloved husband, father and friend, Frank Gifford,” according to the Hollywood Reporter. “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 born in Santa Monica, Calif. and began his standout football career at the University of Southern California in Los Angeles. He was nicknamed “Mr. Touchdown,” in the early 1950’s and was named All-American before graduating and being selected as the number one draft pick by the New York Giants in 1952.

Throughout his career with the Giants, Gifford made eight Pro Bowl appearances and took five trips to the NFL Championship game. According to the Washington Post, he was named the league's’ Most Valuable Player in 1956 as the New York Giants took the NFL title over the Chicago Bears. His number 16 uniform was retired by the team in 2000.

Following his 12-year career on the field, Gifford worked on ABC’s Monday Night Football broadcasts from 1971 to 1988 as the play-by-play announcer. He was the recipient of the Pete Rozelle Award in 1995 for his longtime contributions to radio and television in professional football and an Emmy Award as TV’s Outstanding Sports Personality for 1976-77. Gifford also hosted numerous ABC Sports programs as well as the Summer and Winter Olympics from 1972 to 1984.

The athlete's show business career began as a college student when Gifford appeared as a stunt double for Jerry Lewis in That’s My Boy, and had an appearance in the film Bonzo Goes to College.

Gifford was married to his college sweetheart Maxine Ewart for 26 years and to fitness trainer Astrid Lindley from 1978 to 1986. He then married former Live! With Regis and Kathie Lee co host and host of the fourth hour of The Today Show, Kathie Lee Gifford in 1986.

Gifford is survived by his wife and two children, as well as three children with his first wife Maxine and their five grandchildren.

Photo Credit: Walter McBride/INFphoto.com