NFL legend Frank Gifford passed away Sunday, CBSSports.com reports. As announced by the Pro Football Hall of Famer's family, the 84-year-old died of natural causes.

"It is with deepest sadness that we announce the sudden passing of our beloved husband, father and friend, Frank Gifford," the family statement said. "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."

As noted by the CBSSports.com report, Gifford was involved with the NFL for 45 years, first as a player for the New York Giants then as a broadcaster, which Commissioner Roger Goodell mentioned in a statement Sunday.

"Frank Gifford was an icon of the game, both as a Hall of Fame player for the Giants and Hall of Fame broadcaster for CBS and ABC," Goodell said. "Frank's talent and charisma on the field and on the air were important elements in the growth and popularity of the modern NFL."

Gifford played 12 seasons with the Giants, using his versatility to lead the team to five NFL championship games, while winning one Super Bowl. The 11th overall pick in the 1952 NFL Draft played multiple positions during his Hall of Fame career doing whatever the team needed by playing halfback, wide receiver, defensive back and even kicker.

During the Giants' championship season in 1956, Gifford rushed for 819 yards, received for 603 yards, while also tackling for another 35 yards on his way to being awarded the league MVP, and leading the team to their first championship in 18 years.

The report also points out that while Gifford may have had a stellar career as a player, the younger generation knows him for his work in the booth with Howard Cosell and Don Meredith, which started during the second season of ABC's Monday Night Football.

He was the play-by-play man for ABC from 1971-85, and took over as color commentator from 1986-97.