Frank Gifford, a football legend, died Aug. 9, 2015, just before his 85th birthday. After his passing, it was confirmed that he had been suffering from the ill effects of head trauma. In his later years, Gifford had been dedicated to learning more about head trauma. He looms large in the memories of many, including the family he left behind.
On the second anniversary of his death, his daughter, Cassidy Gifford, wanted to share a beautiful memory between her and her father. She found the perfect photo to capture the moment.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BXlDipsBCpZ/?taken-by=cassidygiff
The 24-year-old’s caption made the memory even more poignant:
Not that you ever once needed an excuse to make pancakes, but you best believe this morning was a pancake kinda morning, Daddio.
Cassidy’s mother, Today Show host, Kathie Lee Gifford, also posted a tribute to her husband on Twitter:
As for me, I will see Your face in righteousness; I shall be satisfied when I awake in Your likeness. Psalm 17:15 #REMEMBERING FRANK
— Kathie Lee Gifford (@KathieLGifford) August 9, 2017
Remembering Frank Gifford
Over the course of his football career, Frank distinguished himself first as a player, and then as a commentator. He played in the National Football League from 1952 until the 1964, and won the most valuable player award from the league in 1956, while playing for the Giants. Frank also played in eight Pro Bowls and five championship games. In 1977, he celebrated his induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
Following his football career, Frank made the move over to broadcasting. He spent 27 years as an announcer on ABC’s Monday Night Football. He also worked on Wide World of Sports and the Olympics.
After Frank’s death, his family announced that doctors had found evidence of brain injury. The New York Times published a family statement on the discovery.
While Frank passed away from natural causes this past August at the age of 84, our suspicions that he was suffering from the debilitating effects of head trauma were confirmed” when the diagnosis of the disease, known commonly as C.T.E., was made, the Gifford family said in a statement. “During the last years of his life, Frank dedicated himself to understanding the recent revelations concerning the connection between repetitive head trauma and its associated cognitive and behavioral symptoms — which he experienced firsthand.
Our thoughts go out to Frank’s family as they honor him and, once again, grieve his passing.
