Frank Gifford, the former New York Giants star and veteran sports journalist, kicked the bucket Sunday at his home in Connecticut. He was 84.

NBC News affirmed Gifford’s demise in an announcement; “It is with the deepest sadness that we announce the sudden passing of our beloved husband, father and friend, Frank Gifford. Frank died suddenly this beautiful Sunday morning of natural causes at his Connecticut home. We rejoice in the extraordinary life he was privileged to live, and we feel grateful and blessed to have been loved by such an amazing human being. We ask that our privacy be respected at this difficult time and we thank you for your prayers.”

Gifford played for the New York Giants from 1952 to 1965. He later had a successful career in sports broadcasting, first on CBS, and then ABC, where he was a regular on “Monday Night Football.”

Gifford was the spouse of “Today” anchor Kathie Lee Gifford.

Kathie Lee posted on Twitter on Sunday: “Deeply grateful to all 4 ur outpouring of grace. We r steadfast in our faith & finding comfort in knowing where Frank is. Phillippians 4:13.”

He is survived by Kathie Lee Gifford and his five children, Cassidy Erin Gifford, Cody Newton Gifford, Victoria Denise Gifford, Jeff Gifford, and Kyle Gifford.