Dominant Raider guard Gene Upshaw dead at 63
Photo courtesy of Raiders Archives
Former Oakland and Los Angeles Raider guard and hall of fame enshrinee Gene Upshaw has passed away.
Upshaw, 63, was the current NFLPA President and the longest tenured labor leader in professional sports.
The breaking news early on Thursday morning was a shock to the NFL world, as many web sites first reported his death due to complications from his recent battle with pancreatic cancer,
Upshaw was a seven-time Pro Bowl selection and a eleven-time All-Pro during his playing days (1967-81). A two time Super Champion, the dominant guard was the only player to participate in three Super Bowls with the same team spanning three decades (60s, 70s, 80s).
In 1987, he was inducted into Canton, his first year of eligibility.
In a statement released on the players union web site, the message stated, “We are deeply saddened and shocked by the sudden and unexpected death of our leader, Gene Upshaw.”
“Our thoughts and prayers go out to his wife, Terri, and their three sons — Eugene, Justin and Daniel. Gene learned he was sick just this past Sunday and he died with his family at his side.”
According to the union, Upshaw died at his home Wednesday evening in Lake Tahoe, California.
“Gene Upshaw did everything with great dignity, pride and conviction,” NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell said, according to the AP.
Goodell continued, “He was the rare individual who earned his place in the Pro Football Hall of Fame, both for his accomplishments on the field and for his leadership of the players off the field. He fought hard for the players and always kept his focus on what was best for the game. His leadership played a crucial role in taking the NFL and its players to new heights.”
Oakland Raiders owner Al Davis stated the following in regards to the loss of Gene Upshaw, “The Raider Organization, the National Football League, and the world have lost a great man. Gene Upshaw’s career successes as a professional football player and a union leader are unparalleled. He is as prominent a
sportsman as the world has known. He was and will remain a part of the fabric of our lives and of the Raider mystique and legacy. We loved him and he loved us. We will miss him. Our heart’s go out to Terri and the boys.”
SBReport.net, Raiderfans.net and the entire Raider Nation sends their condolences, thoughts and prayers to the Upshaw family.
