Francis Newton Gifford

Inducted: 1975

DOB: 8/16/1930

Birthplace: Santa Monica, CA

BIO

Frank Gifford played three varsity years at Southern California. In 1951, when he was named a first-team All-America, he alternated at quarterback, halfback, and fullback, punted, and place-kicked. He made Southern California's first field goal in 14 years, rushed for 841 yards, and rolled up 1144 yards in total offense. In mid-October the Trojans knocked off California, which was ranked No. 1 in the nation in the Associated Press poll. California got off to a 14-0 lead. Gifford scored on a 69-yard run, threw a touchdown pass, and with five minutes to play, led a drive that won the game 21-14. He was with the New York Giants 1952-60, 1962-64, missing one year because of an injury. He won the league's Most Valuable Player Award in 1956 and left the Giants with all-time records for touchdowns, 78, and yards gained in pass receiving. He became a part-time broadcaster for CBS in 1957, went full-time in 1965, and moved to ABC in 1971. He was on ABC's Monday Night Football and Wide World of Sports. Gifford received the Emmy Award for sports commentary in 1971 and the Christopher Award in 1974. He was elected to the College Football Hall of Fame in 1975, the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1977. The NFL Alumni group gave him its Achievement Award in 1985. Gifford served as chairman of the Multiple Sclerosis Society of New York. The society in 1984 established a $100,000 grant for research in his name. Gifford wrote four books, of which the best known are "Gifford on Courage" and "The Whole Ten Yards."

Schools:

University of Southern California
(1949-1951)

Stats