The grandsons of the former New York Giants player attended a football game honoring their grandfather.
Frank and Kathie Lee Gifford’s grandsons, Ford and Frankie, attended a New York Giants game where fans couldn’t help but point out their strong resemblance to their late grandfather.
A fan comments about the strong resemblance between Frank Gifford and his grandsons, Ford and Frankie, from a post dated December 13, 2024 | Source: Instagram/mrsamerikagifford
Frank and Kathie’s son, Cody Gifford, is married to Erika Brown and the pair have two kids, Ford and Frankie. On December 13, Erika posted a collage of photos showing their sons having fun at a football game.
Cody Gifford with Frankie and Ford, from a post dated December 13, 2024 | Source: Instagram/mrsamerikagifford
She captioned the post, “Happy Frankie and Ford Friday! ❤️💙 A couple favorites of the lil’ fellas at the @nygiants game honoring their grandpa 🫶.” Some of the pictures showed Frankie and Ford smiling broadly while posing with their dad.
Frankie and Cody Gifford from a post dated December 13, 2024 | Source: Instagram/mrsamerikagifford
In one picture, Ford sat on the grass, wearing noise-canceling earphones and sporting a slight smile. In another, he was seen crawling around the stands, clearly enjoying himself. Frankie was also pictured with noise-canceling earphones, watching the game with a curious expression.
Ford, from a post dated December 13, 2024 | Source: Instagram/mrsamerikagifford
Fans took to the comment section of this post to highlight the striking family resemblance. One fan remarked, “They both look like their granddad.💙💙⭐️⭐️.” Another fan expressed their admiration for the boys, “They Look So much like Frank Gifford. I bet he would be so proud. 👏❤️❤️.”
Frankie, from a post dated December 13, 2024 | Source: Instagram/mrsamerikagifford
A third fan simply stated, “They all 3 look like grandpa.” One user noticed the resemblance even in Cody, “They look like Grandpa and Cody is looking more like Frank as he gets older❤️❤️.”
Another fan couldn’t get enough of the boys’ looks, gushing, “So adorable! The Gifford genes are very strong!! 😍😍😍.” More people were in awe of the resemblance, penning, “It’s amazing that they look like Frank. Good looking boys!”
A fan continued the praise for the family’s strong genetic ties, “Man they all look like their Grandpa. Handsome boys. 💙💙💙,” Another heartwarming comment acknowledged the love and joy the grandsons bring, “Beautiful tribute to their Grandfather …so cute and their happiness is such a blessing! ❤️.”
One fan shared a touching sentiment, “Adorable boys. There grandfather would have loved them.” Finally, one fan summed it up with excitement, “Oh my God cuteness overload,” emphasizing just how precious the grandsons are.
Cody Gifford and Frankie from a post dated December 11, 2024 | Source: Instagram/kathielgifford
Frank Gifford was a Pro Football Hall of Fame inductee in 1977. He was also a legendary player for the New York Giants from 1952 to 1964. Known for his versatility, he made history as the first player to be named to the Pro Bowl as both a defensive back and offensive back.
Frank Gifford of the New York Giants, #16, Halfback in 1956 | Source: Getty Images
He played in seven Pro Bowls, was an All-NFL selection four times, and earned NFL Player of the Year honors in 1956. After retiring in 1961 due to an injury, Frank remained a beloved figure in the sports world, admired for his talent, charisma, and strong character.
Frank Gifford of the New York Giants in the 1960s | Source: Getty Images
Frank continued to influence the world of football after retirement as he transitioned into a respected sports journalist. While he was celebrated for revolutionizing the game and its media presence, his lasting legacy may lie in how he is remembered by his peers—those who admired him not only as a player but as a man.
Frank Gifford speaking at the press conference for Super Bowl XIX, for ABC Sports in 1985 | Source: Getty Images
“He was an honorable guy, and a straightforward football player, well-liked, and had a good reputation, and overall just a real tribute to the National Football League as a player,” remarked Jim Taylor, a Hall of Fame running back and one of Frank’s contemporaries.
Frank Gifford of the New York Giants in the 1950s | Source: Getty Images
Frank, who passed away from natural causes on August 9, 2015, at 84, was also an actor, known for “Jerry Maguire,” “Viva Knievel!,” and “Coach.” In 2022, Kathie Lee Gifford opened up about Frank’s state of health before he died and how she was moving on.
Frank Gifford and Kathie Lee Gifford, on March 14, 2007 | Source: Getty Images
Frank was diagnosed with chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), a degenerative brain condition often linked to repeated head injuries. The family had privately known of his illness for a decade, noticing how it gradually affected him.
Frank Gifford and Kathie Lee Gifford during Annual “Bal du Printemps” of the Parkinson’s Disease Foundation at The Pierre Hotel in New York City, on May 18, 2004 | Source: Getty Images
Interestingly, the week he passed, Frank received one of his best medical reports in years and even joked with Kathie, “I guess you’re stuck with me.” However, one Sunday morning, as they prepared for church, Kathie discovered Frank unresponsive on the floor.
Kathie Lee and Frank Gifford during The Westport Country Playhouse Fundraiser for “The Campaign for a New Era” at Hyatt Regency Greenwich in Greenwich, Connecticut, on October 14, 2004 | Source: Getty Images
Despite the loss, Kathie viewed his death as a triumph rather than a tragedy, grounded in her Christian faith. She believed that for a believer, the best day of their life is when they leave this world to be with Jesus.
Two years after Frank’s passing, Kathie went on her first date in over three decades but found the experience unfulfilling. She said her date, whom her friend Hoda Kotb set her up with, didn’t share her faith. She was also not over the death of her late husband. “Although I wasn’t grieving, I wasn’t looking,” she admitted.
Hoda Kotb, Kathie Lee Gifford, and her grandchild, from a post dated December 11, 2024 | Source: Instagram/kathielgifford
Determined to live in the present, she has since embraced the opportunity to create new memories. Kathie is now in a relationship, though she keeps it private, cherishing its specialness. “I am very blessed,” she shared.
Kathie also finds immense joy in spending time with her grandchildren, cherishing every moment of bonding with them.
Whether it’s their infectious laughter, heartfelt conversations, or shared adventures, her grandkids bring her unparalleled happiness.