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USC Trojan and legendary sportscaster Frank Gifford passed away today at the age of 84.
A statement from his family stated:
"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."
Gifford certainly did lead an extraordinary life. Born in Santa Monica, California Gifford played running back for the USC Trojans. He ran for 841 yard on 195 carries for the Trojans in the 1951 season. He graduated from USC in 1952 and was drafted 11th overall by the New York Giants that same year. He spent his entire pro career with Giants making multiple trips to the Pro-Bowl, winning a league championship and a league MVP as well. After his playing days were over he went into the broadcast booth co-hosting Monday Night Football from 1971-1985. Gifford is also a member of both the Pro and college football Halls of Fames.
Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Gifford family.
Already members of the Trojan Family have began expressing their sympathy and support.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">RIP to Trojan great and Bakersfield football legend, Frank Gifford. You have always been an inspiration to me in my football career!</p>— Cody Kessler✝ (@CodyKessler6) <a href="https://twitter.com/CodyKessler6/status/630457968593518593">August 9, 2015</a></blockquote>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">RIP to a fellow Trojan and one of football's greats Frank Gifford!</p>— Matt Leinart (@MattLeinartQB) <a href="https://twitter.com/MattLeinartQB/status/630456432324837376">August 9, 2015</a></blockquote>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">USC All-American Frank Gifford, who went on to become a Hall of Fame player and broadcaster, died today at the age of 84. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/FightOnForever?src=hash">#FightOnForever</a></p>— USC Trojans (@USC_Athletics) <a href="https://twitter.com/USC_Athletics/status/630459191736438785">August 9, 2015</a></blockquote>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">RIP Frank Gifford. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/FightOn?src=hash">#FightOn</a></p>— Silas Redd Jr. (@ThirdEyeSi_) <a href="https://twitter.com/ThirdEyeSi_/status/630458787296579585">August 9, 2015</a></blockquote>
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#FightOnForever