{"id":1180315,"date":"2020-06-08T17:45:18","date_gmt":"2020-06-08T21:45:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sports7.us\/?p=1180315"},"modified":"2020-06-08T17:48:01","modified_gmt":"2020-06-08T21:48:01","slug":"the-facts-and-fiction-behind-chuck-bednariks-hit-on-wide-receiver-frank-gifford","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sports7.us\/news\/the-facts-and-fiction-behind-chuck-bednariks-hit-on-wide-receiver-frank-gifford\/","title":{"rendered":"The Facts and Fiction Behind Chuck Bednarik's Hit on Wide Receiver Frank Gifford"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Big hits<\/a> aren't celebrated like they used to be, but Chuck Bednarik's takedown on Frank Gifford remains a part of the NFL folklore<\/a>. It became known as “The Hit,” and the impact was so severe that some onlookers feared for Gifford's life. What really happened on that day in 1960? And how did the play affect<\/a> both the players and the game afterward?\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Why is ‘The Hit' such an iconic play?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Frank Gifford is carried off the field on a stretcher after being hit by Eagles linebacker Chuck Bednarik | George Silk\/The LIFE Picture Collection via Getty Images<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

RELATED: <\/strong>49ers Safety Ronnie Lott Sacrificed a Finger to Keep Playing: ‘I Felt Sick'<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Up until a few years ago, the NFL's inescapable violence was a big selling point. Seeing a player laid out on his back during a game or ESPN's “Jacked Up” segments filled fans with glee. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

These days, we're more aware of the effect of concussions and the general wear and tear that comes with playing football. Regardless, the power of an on-field collision can still shock people. In fact, this play was so jarring to witness that some fans thought Gifford, the player lying on the field, was dead.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The play is now known simply as “The Hit”. On November 20, 1960, the Philadelphia Eagles and New York Giants faced off in Yankee Stadium; first place in the Eastern Division was on the line. As Gifford<\/a> ran across the field, Bednarik<\/a>, also known as “Concrete Charlie,” literally upended his life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The aftermath of ‘The Hit'<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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