Gene Upshaw, the Hall of Fame guard who during a quarter century as union head helped get NFL players free agency and the riches that came with it, has died. He was 63.
Upshaw died Wednesday night at his home near California's Lake Tahoe of pancreatic cancer, which was diagnosed only last Sunday, the NFL Players Association said Thursday. His wife, Terri, and sons Eugene Jr., Justin and Daniel were by his side.
Frequently listed as one of the most powerful men in U.S. sports, Upshaw was drafted in the first round by Oakland in 1967 out of Texas A&I -- hardly a football factory. He was an NAIA All-American at center, tackle and end, but was switched to left guard by the Raiders.
That's where he stayed through a magnificent career that included 10 conference championship games as well as the Super Bowl victories.
His playing career was summed up Thursday by his close friend Art Shell, who played next to him on Oakland's offensive line, and in 1989 became the first black coach of the modern era when he took over the Raiders.
"Gene was a true pioneer as one of the few African-American leaders of a major union," Shell said. "He was the equal of owners in negotiations and made the league a better place for all players. Playing alongside of Gene was an honor and a privilege. He was a pillar of strength and leadership for our great Raider teams."
Highlights of Gene Upshaw's numerous contributions to pro football for four-plus decades:
• Executive director of NFLPA since June 1983
• Took part in all negotiations leading up to CBA in 1977, '82 and '93 (and extensions in '96, '98, '02 and '06)
• Raiders' first pick in 1967 draft (17th overall; '67 was first combined AFL-NFL draft)
• Played 15 seasons with Raiders (1967-81)
• 7-time Pro Bowl selection
• 5-time First Team All-Pro
• Won 2 Super Bowls
• Inducted into Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1987
• Started 207 straight regular-season games from 1967 to '81
• Played 307 preseason, regular season, and postseason games
• Only player ever to start on championship teams in both the AFL and NFL
• NAIA All-America honors at Texas A&I
Though the news devastated Upshaw, he was wide
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