Gifford was a remarkable player - strong runner, excellent receiver, and even was good at throwing the halfback option pass (was a QB during his playing days at USC). After the tackle by Chuck Bednarik that caused him to miss 18 months of his career, he came back as a WR, and became a Pro Bowler at flanker. As a play by play guy on MNF, he was very error prone, but he did a great job as a traffic cop between Meredith and Cosell. Part of the reason why the program was appointment television, and the show has not been the same since the three of them left. RIP to one of the greats - he had a hell of a life and career.