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In 1952, Gifford was selected in the first round of the NFL draft by the Giants—a moment that caught him completely off guard while he was driving to go skiing. His early contract for $8,000 and a $250 signing bonus marked the beginning of a cherished athletic career.
Initially positioned behind a more established player, Gifford demonstrated versatility and all-around ability, spending most of his time on defense while contributing to the offense whenever called upon. As the Giants began to flourish, 1956 would mark a career peak for Gifford and the team.