Pro Football Hall of Famer Frank Gifford has died at the age of 84.
Gifford played for the New York Giants for 13 seasons and featured on both offense and defense for the club, receiving Pro Bowl berths for his displays at defensive back, running back and wide receiver.
He was named NFL MVP in the 1956 season and won the NFL championship in the same year. Gifford retired from the game at the age of 34 before enjoying a successful broadcasting career, which included a spell in the UK with Channel 4.
Gifford was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1977 due to the high level of his displays during his 13-year career.
His family said in a statement: "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."
The Giants retired his number 16 jersey at the end of his career.
Simon Sinclair
