The Hit

"The Hit" is a phrase used to describe one of the most famed plays in the history of the National Football League in a November 20, 1960 game between the Philadelphia Eagles and the New York Giants at the original Yankee Stadium in The Bronx in New York City. In the play, Chuck Bednarik, a linebacker with the Philadelphia Eagles, tackled Frank Gifford, a running back for the New York Giants, in the game's fourth quarter, knocking Gifford unconscious. He was removed from the field on a stretcher and transported by ambulance to a local hospital, where he was diagnosed with a deep concussion. The hit is considered by NFL analysts and fans to be the most, or certainly among the most, vicious defensive tackles in professional football history. Bednarik's tackle, which was perfectly legal and drew no penalty, has been widely described over the years as likely the hardest and most vicious tackle in the history of the National Football League. Gifford was hospitalized for ten days. Gifford's injuries forced him to retire from the NFL. However, after undergoing 18 months of recovery, he ultimately returned with the Giants in 1962, before permanently retiring in 1964.