Frank Gifford tributes: Stars from Ellen DeGeneres to Tiki Barber remember NFL and TV legend
Frank Gifford, who died suddenly Sunday at the age of 84, was a star first on the football field and then in the world of TV and entertainment. Colleagues and fans from both worlds expressed their sadness at his death and celebrated his life in the hours after his death.
Gifford starred at USC as a collegian and then with the National Football League's New York Giants before going on to become a TV sports commentator on "Monday Night Football," sharing the booth with Howard Cosell, "Dandy Don" Meredith and others.
"Not only was Frank a member of the Giants family from the time he left USC, and will be forever, but because Frank, my father (Bob) and Pete Rozelle were so close in the '60s, I felt like he was a member of my family," said Steve Tisch, chairman of the New York Giants and a movie producer whose films included "Forrest Gump."
"I always loved seeing Frank on our sideline before our games," Tisch said. "He had the handshake of a 25-year old, and he looked you right in the eye with his big blue eyes. He was such a strong person in every way. He will be missed and will always be remembered as a Giants' Giant."
See Frank Gifford through the years:
Also Read:Frank Gifford, NFL Great and Former 'Monday Night Football' Sportscaster, Dead at 84
TV host Kathie Lee Gifford, who was married to Gifford in 1986 and had two children with him, expressed her gratitude in a tweet Sunday.
Deeply grateful to all 4 ur outpouring of grace. We r steadfast in our faith & finding comfort in knowing where Frank is. Phillippians 4:13.
– Kathie Lee Gifford (@KathieLGifford) August 9, 2015
This is how I will remember #frankgifford — always making us laugh. But today I am heartbroken — love u klg xoxo pic.twitter.com/ro4qYwynY0 — Hoda Kotb (@hodakotb) August 9, 2015
Rest In Peace, Frank Gifford – one of our Giants greats
– Tiki Barber (@TikiBarber) August 9, 2015
RIP the great Frank Gifford! Pioneer on and off the football field and a sad day for me! Thoughts and prayers to the Gifford family!! — Michael Strahan (@michaelstrahan) August 9, 2015
Sending love to @KathieLGifford over the loss of her husband, Frank. You are in our thoughts today. – Ellen DeGeneres (@TheEllenShow) August 9, 2015
No! Frank Gifford! You will be missed. Rest with the angels, sir. — Alyssa Milano (@Alyssa_Milano) August 9, 2015
My heart and prayers go out to my friend @KathieLGifford and her children. RIP Frank Gifford.
– Lori Loughlin (@LoriLoughlin) August 9, 2015
"And I don't care what's on the line (football field), Howard, you have got to say what we both know in the booth." – Frank Gifford, 12/8/80 — Michael Moore (@MMFlint) August 9, 2015
I will always remember Frank Gifford's grace, self-deprecating wit and love of his family. So much to so many. pic.twitter.com/81ePwZ2Kbl – Al Roker (@alroker) August 9, 2015
Rest In Peace, Frank Gifford – one of our Giants greats
- Tiki Barber (@TikiBarber) August 9, 2015
Frank Gifford was an awesome gentleman. My prayers are with @KathieLGifford and their kids. — Maria Shriver (@mariashriver) August 9, 2015
Wonderful Frank Gifford has just passed away at age 84. He was my friend and a truly great guy! Warmest condolences to family. — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) August 9, 2015
RIP Frank Gifford and sending love to our friend @KathieLGifford.
– billy eichner (@billyeichner) August 9, 2015
Frank Gifford. #RIPhttps://t.co/GHpf0pgTqc – Questlove Gomez (@questlove) August 9, 2015
RIP #NFL & @Giants icon Frank Gifford, a star player & legendary announcer. I had many great intvs w/him. My condolences @KathieLGifford
– Larry King (@kingsthings) August 9, 2015
So sorry to hear of the passing of Frank Gifford one of the very good guys. Prayers for his family. To Frank godspeed pic.twitter.com/ybKLKcVbTh — Nancy Sinatra (@NancySinatra) August 9, 2015
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