• LIFE

See Photos of the Highlight of Frank Gifford’s College Career

1 minute read

Before Frank Gifford was an NFL MVP, a sportscaster or an actor, he was a college football player. And in perhaps the most memorable game of the season that made him an All-American, the University of Southern California halfback scored a 69-yard touchdown against the top ranked team in the country, the University of California, Berkeley.

For Gifford, who died Sunday at 84, the first half of that game in late October, 1951, was quiet. Berkeley, according to LIFE Magazine, “planned to flatten its foe by sheer weight of manpower,” and with a score of 14-0 at halftime, the team’s plans were unfolding smoothly. Thankfully for underdog USC, the first time the team got the ball in the second half, it went to Gifford, who dodged many an Oski to score USC’s first touchdown of the game.

Gifford’s feat might have been a noteworthy footnote on an expected regular-season loss. But for both USC—which went on to upset Berkeley 21-14—and for Gifford himself, that touchdown was only the beginning.

Liz Ronk, who edited this gallery, is the Photo Editor for LIFE.com. Follow her on Twitter @lizabethronk.

From the October 29, 1951 issue of LIFE magazine.
A photographic explanation of Frank Gifford's 69-yard touchdown, from the Oct. 29, 1951, issue of LIFE Magazine.Ed Clark—LIFE Magazine
Frank Gifford 1951
Caption from LIFE. Halfback Gifford (16) begins spectacular touchdown from single wing formation the first time U.S.C. gets the ball in the second half.Ed Clark—The LIFE Picture Collection/Getty Images
Frank Gifford 1951
Caption from LIFE. Willhoite (falling towards camera) throws key block on Richter as Gifford, balancing ball on shoulder, squirms through narrow opening.Ed Clark—The LIFE Picture Collection/Getty Images
Frank Gifford 1951
Caption from LIFE. In the clear, Gifford picks up momentum for the long sprint ahead as teammates like Quarterback Dean Schneider (right) set up new blocks.Ed Clark—The LIFE Picture Collection/Getty Images
Frank Gifford 1951
Caption from LIFE. Second member of Cal’s secondary to get a whack at Gifford is Hal Norris (38) who begins bearing down on him from the left sideline.Ed Clark—The LIFE Picture Collection/Getty Images
Frank Gifford 1951
Caption from LIFE. Gifford manages to shake off Norris and cuts right as Stillwell (84) and Schneider (19) move to meet challenge by California’s Willsey (25).Ed Clark—The LIFE Picture Collection/Getty Images
Frank Gifford 1951
Caption from LIFE. U.S.C.’s Stillwell throws himself in the path of Willsey while Gifford swings out toward teammate Carmichael (21) and continues his run.Ed Clark—The LIFE Picture Collection/Getty Images
Frank Gifford 1951
Caption from LIFE. With two blockers escorting him all the way to the goal, Gifford outdistances last California pursuers and scores first U.S.C. touchdown.Ed Clark—The LIFE Picture Collection/Getty Images

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Write to Eliza Berman at eliza.berman@time.com