Frank Gifford's athletic legacy on the football field and broadcasting booth is well-documented, but his family story continues through a growing new generation. As the grandchildren of the legendary New York Giants star and television personality Kathie Lee Gifford step into their own lives, public interest naturally follows how they carry forward the family name.
Understanding this branch of the Gifford family tree involves looking past the headlines and examining who these descendants are today. From Cody and Cassidy Gifford's young children to the established branch from Frank's earlier marriage, the family spans multiple generations of public and private lives.
The Gifford Family Tree: A Multi-Generational Overview
Frank Gifford's family history includes three marriages and a broad lineage. With his first wife, Maxine Avis Ewart, he had three children: Jeff, Kyle, and Victoria. This first branch also produced five grandchildren, notably including Victoria Gifford's marriage into the Kennedy family through Michael LeMoyne Kennedy.
Later, Frank married television host Kathie Lee Gifford, with whom he shared two children, Cody and Cassidy. Cody and Cassidy have since started families of their own, bringing a fresh wave of descendants who keep Frank's memory alive for a modern audience.
- Jeff, Kyle, and Victoria: Children from Frank's first marriage, yielding five grandchildren.
- Cody and Cassidy: Children from Frank's marriage to Kathie Lee, representing the younger adult generation.
- The Newest Generation: Frank Michael, Finn Thomas, and Ford Matthew, born to Cody and Cassidy.
Cody and Cassidy Gifford: Continuing the Creative Path
Frank and Kathie Lee's children carved out careers in media and entertainment, laying a creative foundation for their own kids. Cody Gifford attended University of Southern California and pursued film production and writing, focusing behind the scenes in Hollywood. Cassidy Gifford built a career as an actress, appearing in various film and television projects such as the horror film The Gallows and the drama series The Baxters.
Growing up in the public eye meant both siblings learned early on how to navigate media attention. They often credit their parents with instilling strong work ethics and grounded values, lessons they now pass down to their toddlers.
Meet Frank Gifford's Youngest Grandchildren
Kathie Lee Gifford frequently shares joyful updates about her grandchildren on social media and in interviews, giving fans a glimpse into family milestones. Cody and his wife Erika welcomed their first son, Frank Michael Gifford, in May 2022, named in direct honor of his late grandfather.
In June 2023, Cassidy and her husband Ben Wierda welcomed a son named Finn Thomas Wierda. Shortly after, Cody and Erika expanded their family further with the birth of their second son, Ford Matthew Gifford, in November 2023. These young children represent a tight-knit continuation of the family, growing up surrounded by close relatives in Tennessee and Connecticut.
Preserving Athletic and Cultural Heritage
While none of the youngest grandchildren are old enough to pursue sports or careers yet, the weight of the Gifford name carries unique expectations. Frank Gifford was an NFL MVP, an eight-time Pro Bowler, and a Hall of Famer who later became a household name co-hosting Monday Night Football.
The family approach to this heritage isn't about pushing children into professional sports or broadcasting. Instead, relatives emphasize character, resilience, and kindness—traits Kathie Lee often highlights when speaking about her late husband. For more details on the patriarch's storied career, you can review his profile on the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
Common Misconceptions About the Gifford Family
Public curiosity often breeds confusion regarding celebrity family trees. A frequent mix-up involves conflating the children from Frank's first marriage with those from his marriage to Kathie Lee.
- The Generation Gap: Some casual observers assume Cody and Cassidy are Frank's only children, overlooking Jeff, Kyle, and Victoria from his marriage to Maxine Ewart.
- The Kennedy Connection: Victoria Gifford's marriage to Michael LeMoyne Kennedy links the Giffords directly to the prominent political family, a distinct branch separate from Kathie Lee's children.
- Naming Traditions: Naming the oldest grandson Frank Michael led some to believe he is an exact junior, though he carries a distinct middle name to honor his grandfather respectfully.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many grandchildren does Frank Gifford have in total?
Frank Gifford has multiple grandchildren across his different marriages. His first marriage produced five grandchildren, while his marriage to Kathie Lee brought three additional grandchildren into the family, totaling eight.
What are the names of Kathie Lee Gifford's grandchildren?
Kathie Lee's three grandchildren are Frank Michael Gifford (born 2022), Finn Thomas Wierda (born 2023), and Ford Matthew Gifford (born 2023).
Are any of Frank Gifford's grandchildren playing football?
No. The oldest grandchildren from the younger branch are still toddlers, so it remains entirely unknown whether any will pursue professional athletics.
Where does the family primarily reside?
Members of the family are spread across different locations, but Kathie Lee and several family members spend significant time in Tennessee and Connecticut, maintaining a close-knit domestic circle. To read more about broader entertainment updates involving the family, check out People.
