Frank Gifford, the American football legend and renowned sportscaster, had a combined net worth of $60 million at the time of his passing. This total was shared with his wife, Kathie Lee Gifford. Gifford died on August 9, 2015, at the age of 84, leaving behind a significant financial and personal legacy. According to his will, his liquid assets amounted to $10 million, while he also owned a $2.5 million Florida home and co-owned a $22 million Connecticut mansion with his wife.
A Storied Football Career
Gifford’s football career spanned more than a decade, primarily with the New York Giants. His career began in 1952, when he played as both a receiver and running back, and it continued through 1964. Over the years, he earned eight Pro Bowl appearances and participated in five NFL Championship Games. Gifford’s remarkable athleticism earned him the NFL MVP award in 1956, and he helped lead the Giants to a victory over the Chicago Bears for the NFL title. Gifford’s NFL career was not without challenges; in 1960, he suffered a major head injury when knocked unconscious by Chuck Bednarik of the Philadelphia Eagles. This injury caused Gifford to retire, but he made a comeback in 1962, switching positions to flanker and playing two more seasons before retiring for good in 1964.
Transitioning to Broadcasting
After retiring from football, Gifford transitioned into broadcasting. He became a key figure inports commentary, particularly on ABC’s Monday Night Football. He was originally considered for the role in 1970 but was tied to a CBS contract. However, by 1971, Gifford became the play-by-play announcer for Monday Night Football, staying with the show until 1997. In 1986, he took on the role of color commentator, sharing the booth with the likes of O.J. Simpson, Lynn Swann, and Dan Dierdorf. Gifford’s time in the booth was interrupted by personal scandals in 1997, after which he was replaced by Boomer Esiason. Despite this setback, Gifford remained part of the Monday Night Football family through a brief role in the pregame show in 1998.
In addition to his work on Monday Night Football, Gifford had a diverse broadcasting career. He covered a wide range of sports, including golf, skiing, and the Olympics. He also served as a guest host on Good Morning America, where he met his future wife, Kathie Lee.
A Complicated Personal Life
Gifford’s personal life was marked by a number of relationships. His first marriage was to Maxine Avis Ewart in 1952, with whom he had three children: Jeff, Kyle, and Victoria. However, their marriage ended in divorce in 1976. In 1978, Gifford married fitness trainer Astrid Lindley, but the marriage ended in divorce as well. Later that year, Gifford married Kathie Lee Johnson, and they had two children, Cody and Cassidy. Their relationship became widely known, especially through Kathie Lee’s public persona as a co-host on Live with Regis and Kathie Lee.
In 1997, Gifford became embroiled in a highly publicized scandal. A tabloid, The Globe, paid a former flight attendant to lure Gifford into a hotel room where they secretly recorded an encounter between the two. The tabloid then published the photos, leading to widespread media attention. Despite this scandal, Gifford’s family stood by him, and his marriage to Kathie Lee endured.
Gifford’s Death and Medical Revelations
Frank Gifford passed away from natural causes in August 2015, but months later, his family revealed a significant health issue. They shared that Gifford had been diagnosed posthumously with chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), a degenerative brain disease associated with repeated head trauma. His family chose to disclose this information in hopes of advancing medical research on the links between football and traumatic brain injuries. Their decision was part of a broader effort to raise awareness about the risks of concussions in contact sports.
Gifford’s Estate and Final Wishes
In his will, Frank Gifford’s estate was carefully divided among his family. His liquid assets were valued at $10 million. He left $500,000 each to his children Jeffery and Victoria, while Kyle, who had been severely injured in a car accident in 1979 and lived with Frank and Kathie Lee, was designated to receive $1 million in trust. The couple’s $22 million Connecticut home and a residence in Key Largo, Florida, were left to Kathie Lee. In addition, $300,000 was allocated to their children’s former nanny, Christine Maria Gardner, who was named as the children’s guardian in the event of Kathie Lee’s death. The remaining funds, totaling $7.7 million, went to Kathie Lee, who also served as the executor of the estate.
Gifford’s Awards and Honors
Throughout his career, Gifford received numerous accolades that reflected his success in both football and broadcasting. In 1997, he was honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award at the Sports Emmys. He also received recognition as an Outstanding Host or Commentator for the 1976-1977 season. Gifford was nominated for Primetime Emmys in 1974 and 1976 for his work on NFL Monday Night Football. He won the Pete Rozelle Radio-Television Award in 1995 and was recognized as a Disney Legend in 2008. Gifford’s induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1977 cemented his place in sports history, and he was also posthumously inducted into the National Sports Media Association Hall of Fame in 2017.
For his collegiate achievements, Gifford was named an All-American in 1951 and was later inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1975. His legacy as one of the greatest football players of his era was further recognized by his induction into the University of Southern California’s Athletic Hall of Fame in 1994. During his NFL career, he earned eight Pro Bowl selections and was named First-Team All-Pro multiple times.
Real Estate Ventures
Gifford’s real estate investments were notable, reflecting his financial success and desire for luxurious living spaces. In 1998, he and Kathie Lee built a $3.9 million home in Key Largo, Florida, which later was listed for sale at $10.5 million in 2018. The couple also invested in a second property in Nantucket, spending $5.8 million on a 6,600-square-foot home in 1999. They had originally purchased a smaller Nantucket home but sold it after a few months for $1.5 million, choosing instead to live in a waterfront property.
Frank Gifford’s life was defined by his athletic prowess, broadcasting achievements, and significant personal milestones. His financial success, marked by his net worth and real estate investments, reflected his hard work both on and off the field. Gifford’s death, while marking the end of a legendary era in sports and broadcasting, also highlighted the ongoing challenges faced by athletes due to head injuries. His legacy continues to be a part of the conversation on football safety and brain health.
