Frank Gifford, the Pro Football Hall of Fame running back and broadcaster who died of natural causes in August, suffered from chronic traumatic encephalopathy, his family said on Wednesday.
The family of the former NFL Most Valuable Player said Gifford suffered from the progressive degenerative disease that’s been linked to repeated blows to the head and will donate his brain to medicine.
“After losing our beloved husband and father, Frank Gifford, we as a family made the difficult decision to have his brain studied in hopes of contributing to the advancement of medical research concerning the link between football and traumatic brain injury,” the family said in a statement released through NBC.
“We decided to disclose our loved one’s condition to honor Frank’s legacy of promoting player safety dating back to his involvement in the formation of the NFL Players Association in the 1950s. His entire adult life Frank was a champion for others, but especially for those without the means or platform to have their voices heard. He was a man who loved the National Football League until the day he passed, and one who recognized that it was – and will continue to be – the players who elevated this sport to its singular stature in American society.
“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. We miss him every day, now more than ever, but find comfort in knowing that by disclosing his condition we might contribute positively to the ongoing conversation that needs to be had; that he might be an inspiration for others suffering with this disease that needs to be addressed in the present; and that we might be a small part of the solution to an urgent problem concerning anyone involved with football, at any level.”
Gifford absorbed thousands of hits during a decorated 12-year playing career, none more famous than a crushing 1960 tackle by Philadelphia Eagles linebacker Chuck Bednarik, whose fist-pumping celebration over the unconscious New York running back rates among the NFL’s most iconic images. He spent 10 days in the hospital and missed the entire 1961 season before returning for the Giants’ season opener in 1962.
After retiring he moved on to a successful career in broadcaster, spending 27 years as a commentator and analyst for ABC’s Monday Night Football.
CTE is similar to Alzheimer’s in its symptoms – memory loss, irritability, mood changes – but with its own distinct pathology.
