Kathie Lee Gifford on Frank Gifford's Last Days
Kathie Lee Gifford, widow of NFL legend Frank Gifford, opens up about her husband's declining health before his death.
Kathie Lee and Cody Share Details
Kathie Lee Gifford, along with her son Cody, recently revealed some details about their experiences with Frank Gifford in the last days of his life. Frank Gifford, a Pro Football Hall of Famer, passed away in 2015 at the age of 84. The family later discovered signs of chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) in his brain.
Cody Gifford expressed gratitude towards the NFL for giving his father a life in football but also acknowledged the dangers associated with the sport. He shared a poignant memory of one of the last nights he spent with his father, where Frank quickly forgot everything his son had just said.
Frank Gifford's Broadcasting Career
After retiring from the NFL, Frank Gifford made a successful transition to the broadcasting booth. For many years, he became a familiar voice on "Monday Night Football." One of the most memorable moments of his broadcasting career was handling play-by-play duties for the 1985 Super Bowl. Gifford's broadcasting career showcased his talent beyond the football field.
"Requiem for a Running Back," a documentary about former football star Lewis Carpenter's struggle with CTE, features Frank Gifford. The documentary, now available on various streaming services, aims to raise awareness about the disease. Kathie Lee and Cody hope that the commercial release of the film will increase understanding and knowledge about CTE.
The Impact of CTE
CTE, a progressive degenerative disease of the brain, has been heavily researched by the Boston University CTE Center. It is often found in athletes with a history of repetitive brain trauma. Kathie Lee Gifford opened up about the impact CTE had on her late husband's brain, describing it as heartbreaking to see the damage to his hippocampus, which is responsible for short-term memory. The cumulative effects of blows to the head over a lifetime are concerning.
Kathie Lee and Cody believe that their personal experiences with Frank's declining health and CTE should serve as a reminder of the risks associated with playing football. Cody, who had a brief football career, is now more aware of the potential dangers. However, he acknowledges the difficulty of walking away from a sport that he grew up loving and that played a significant role in his life.
