Family says Frank Gifford suffered from concussion-related disease

Frank Gifford, a Pro Football Hall of Fame member who died in August, was found to have suffered from concussion-related brain disease, his family announced Wednesday.

Gifford died suddenly of natural causes on Aug. 9 at age 84 at his home in Connecticut. The family said a portmortem examination found evidence of Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy.

"After losing our beloved husband and father, Frank Gifford, we as a family made the difficult decision to have his brain studied in hopes of contributing to the advancement of medical research concerning the link between football and traumatic brain injury," the family's statement read.

"We decided to disclose our loved one's condition to honor Frank's legacy of promoting player safety dating back to his involvement in the formation of the NFL Players Association in the 1950s. His entire adult life Frank was a champion for others, but especially for those without the means or platform to have their voices heard.

"He was a man who loved the National Football League until the day he passed, and one who recognized that it was -- and will continue to be -- the players who elevated this sport to its singular stature in American society."

Gifford was part of Giants teams that played in five NFL championship games in the 1950s and '60s and became a broadcaster after he retired as a player. He was part of the ABC-TV "Monday Night Football" crew that included Howard Cosell and Don Meredith in the 1970s.

"During the last years of his life, Frank dedicated himself to understanding the recent revelations concerning the connection between repetitive head trauma and its associated cognitive and behavioral symptoms -- which he experienced firsthand," the statement read. "We miss him every day, now more than ever, but find comfort in knowing that by disclosing his condition we might contribute positively to the ongoing conversation that needs to be had, that he might be an inspiration for others suffering with this disease that needs to be addressed in the present, and that we might be a small part of the solution to an urgent problem concerning anyone involved with football, at any level."

CTE appears to be caused by head trauma that can result in memory loss, dementia and depression.

"We have great respect and sympathy for the Gifford family," the Giants said in a statement. "We all miss Frank dearly. We support the family's decision to contribute to the discussion and research of an issue we take very seriously."

NFL commissioner Roger Goodell issued a statement Wednesday that praised Gifford before adding, "We are working now to improve the safety of our game. The NFL has made numerous rules changes to the game, all to enhance player health and safety at all levels of football. These include 39 rule changes and better training and practice protocols that are yielding measurable results.

"This work will continue as the health and safety of our players remains our highest priority. We have more work to do -- work that honors great men like Frank Gifford."