This week in Kern County history.
Death: Frank Gifford passed away on August 9, 2015.
Frank Gifford (August 16, 1930 – August 9, 2015) was a versatile figure, excelling as an American football player, actor, and sports commentator. Born in Santa Monica, California, he graduated from Bakersfield High School. Gifford’s remarkable 12-year NFL career with the New York Giants included winning the NFL Most Valuable Player Award in 1956 and induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1977. Beyond football, he earned acclaim as an Emmy Award-winning sportscaster, notably on ABC’s Monday Night Football. Gifford also showcased his acting talents in various roles. Despite controversies, his legacy endures. Gifford died on August 9, 2015, at his Greenwich, Connecticut, home, leaving a lasting impact on American sports and broadcasting. Posthumously diagnosed with Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE), his family highlighted his commitment to player safety, underscoring his lasting influence beyond the field.
