Cody and Cassidy Gifford, the children of the late Frank Gifford, react to his death

Frank Gifford left behind his wife, Kathie Lee Gifford, but also their two children together; Cody, 25, and Cassidy, 22, when he died on Aug. 9.

While Kathie Lee had an opportunity to pay tribute to him on the Today Show, his kids are now reacting to his death in statements.

“For 22 years I was blessed with an incredible man to not just call my father, but also my friend," Cassidy told People. "So though I selfishly may want 22 more, my gratitude far outweighs my sadness."

Calling him a “legend,” Cassidy also referred to him as the “kindest, most generous human being I have ever had the privilege of knowing."

Cody followed in his NFL star father’s footsteps by playing football at the University of Southern California.

“The great [New York Giants co-owner] Wellington Mara once called dad 'the son any father would love to have and the father any son would be proud to have,’” he said. “He was right. God blessed me beyond words."

image via Walter McBride/INFphoto.com