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Raised in a family that worked in the oil fields, Gifford was destined for a life of hard labor. However, his passion for football took center stage as he attended Bakersfield High School and later junior college, where he earned All-American honors. This impressive performance drew the attention of the University of Southern California (USC), a crucial stepping stone in his football career.
During his time at USC, Gifford found himself standing in Yankee Stadium for the first time, where the Trojans faced Army. It was here that he made a name for himself, catching the eye of New York Giants owner Wellington Mara.