Frank Gifford: 10 things to know about the Pro Football Hall of Famer and TV star

ByThomas Neumann ESPN logo

Monday, August 10, 2015

Pro Football Hall of Famer Frank Gifford, an icon as a pro football player and broadcaster,died Sunday.

His success in sports and media is well-documented, as is his marriage to fellow TV personality Kathie Lee Gifford. His impact on the Giants franchise is lasting.

Here are 10 things about Frank Gifford you might not have known:

Gifford was born in Santa Monica, California, during the Great Depression. His father reportedly moved the family 47 times in pursuit of work in the oil business before Frank enrolled at Bakersfield High School.
Gifford was drafted No. 11 overall by the New York Giants in 1952. Three other Hall of Famers were selected ahead of him: Les Richter, Ollie Matson and Hugh McElhenny.
Gifford said he received a $250 signing bonus with the Giants, and his first contract was for $8,000.
Vince Lombardi was Gifford's offensive coordinator with the Giants for five seasons, including 1956, when the Giants beat the Bears 47-7 in the NFL Championship Game.
Gifford sat out the 1961 season after an injurious hit the previous year by another future Hall of Famer, Chuck Bednarik of the Eagles.
Gifford scored 78 career touchdowns for the Giants, a franchise record that still stands. One of those touchdowns -- his first as a pro, in fact -- came on an interception return. In addition to his offensive feats, Gifford played defensive back early in his career.

Gifford was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1977, in his sixth year as a finalist. The other members of the Class of 1977 were Forrest Gregg, Gale Sayers, Bart Starr and Bill Willis.
Gifford appeared in several movies over the years, including "Bonzo Goes to College," "Paper Lion," "Up Periscope" and "Jerry Maguire."
Frank and Kathie Lee met on the set of "Good Morning America."
Both Frank and Kathie Lee were born on Aug. 16 -- Frank in 1930 and Kathie Lee in 1953. Another first-round pick out of USC now in Hall of Fame, Ron Yary, also shares a birthday with Gifford.