Frank Gifford Dies: Stars Pay Tribute To NFL Hall Of Famer

The sports world lost a legend on Sunday when NFL Hall of Famer Frank Gifford passed away at the age of 84.

The New York Giants MVP and renowned broadcaster died of natural causes at his Connecticut home, the Gifford family confirmed in a statement released to NBC News.

Gifford’s influence reached beyond football, as fans from all walks of life took to social media to express their condolences. Many celebrities, including friends and colleagues of the NFL champ, also shared kind words and memories.

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In a statement released to Access Hollywood, Regis Philbin recalled seeing his longtime friend just recently, and said he was “smiling, laughing” and looked “terrific.”

“My wife, Joy, and I just had dinner last Saturday night with Frank and Kathie Lee at their lovely home in Connecticut. … it was a great night,” the TV personality said.

READ: Regis Philbin Named Contributor To ‘Today,’ Reuniting With Kathie Lee Gifford

Regis spent 12 years working alongside Gifford’s wife, Kathie Lee, on syndicated morning show “Live With Regis and Kathie Lee,” but talked about how he was a fan of Gifford’s long before they actually met.

“I’ve spent most of my life watching Frank. From the time he brought his Southern Cal team into Notre Dame stadium in 1949, I watched him through all those pro football years with the New York Giants and, of course, heard him with Don Meredith and Howard Cosell in calling football games that could never be duplicated again. That’s how good they were,” the Notre Dame alum said.

“Kathie Lee and I were working together on our ‘Live’ morning show when she started dating Frank. I always loved trying to get her to tell me about her new romance and it wasn’t long before we were watching them take their vows in front of close friends in Southampton,” he continued.

“Frank had a great life and he and Kathie Lee raised two beautiful children, Cody and Cassidy,” Regis said of Gifford’s personal accomplishments off the field. “All of us will miss him terribly.”

READ: Frank Gifford, Kathie Lee Gifford’s Husband, Has Died

In an interview with CNN on Sunday, former Giants quarterback Fran Tarkenton called Gifford “a Giant among Giants,” while famed Chicago Bears coach Mike Ditka told the network that the football great “brought a lot of joy to a lot of people” and was “an exceptional individual on and off the field.”

“Today” co-host Kathie Lee, who was married to the pro athlete since 1986, addressed the outpouring of support on her Twitter page shortly after the sad news broke.

Here are just a few of the other stars paying tribute to the decorated career and long life of Frank Gifford:

— Erin Biglow

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