Disney Chairman Bob Iger Issues Statement on Passing of Frank Gifford

As BWW reported yesterday, Pro Football Hall of Famer, TV commentator and husband to Kathie Lee Gifford Frank Gifford passed away at the age of 84.

Bob Iger, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of The Walt Disney Company, has issued the following statement on his passing:

"Frank Gifford was an exceptional man who will be missed by everyone who had the joy of seeing his talent on the field, the pleasure of watching his broadcasts, or the honor of knowing him. His many achievements were defined by a quiet dignity and a personal grace that is seldom seen in any arena; he truly embodied the very best of us. Frank's contributions to ABC Sports and our company are immeasurable. We are honored to call him a Disney Legend and I am very fortunate to have called him a dear friend and colleague. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family at this difficult time."

Gifford 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."

Photo Credit: Walter McBride / WM Photos

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