NFLPA director Gene Upshaw dead at 63

by Brian Galliford on Aug 21, 2008 7:56 AM EDT in News Comment 8 comments

NBC Sports, via Clear Channel online, reports that Gene Upshaw, Executive Director of the NFL Players' Association, has passed away at the age of 63. Upshaw has apparently lost a battle with pancreatic cancer, a disease which is only now becoming public knowledge.

NFL Network's Adam Schefter reported this morning on Sirius NFL Radio that neither the NFL nor the Players' Association was aware of Upshaw's battle with cancer.

The Hall of Fame offensive lineman was an 11-time All-Pro selection during his illustrious career as a guard for the Oakland Raiders. He presided over the Players' Association for 25 years (since June of 1983) and was responsible for huge gains made for players during his time as the union boss. He also was responsible for some strife, including a players' strike in 1987 and, most recently, a Collective Bargaining agreement that was opted out of two years early.

Upshaw had planned to stay in office until negotiations had ended on a restructured Collective Bargaining Agreement, which needs to be in place by the 2010 season. His death leaves the leadership of the NFLPA, as well as said negotiations, in serious limbo. Clark Gaines appears poised to assume Upshaw's role in the negotiations.

Upshaw is survived by his wife, Terri, and three sons.

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That’s quite a shock, who knew about the cancer? Pancreatic is pretty nasty from what I’ve heard. The NFLPA will miss his leadership.

Great player and a big reason why the Raiders were as good as they were for as long as they were in the ’70’s and early ’80’s.

Get the Bills back to the big game!

by Blitz on Aug 21, 2008 9:50 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Apparently he found out he had cancer Sunday.

by Zumone on Aug 21, 2008 9:55 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

wow

by Kurupt on Aug 21, 2008 11:29 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Remember Upshaw!

A fan tribute site has been created for Gene where you can leave your thoughts and prayers:

http://www.MosaicOfHope.org/goto/GeneUpshaw

by UpshawFan on Aug 21, 2008 10:04 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

What a total shock. Upshaw was maybe the best LG or even interior offensive lineman ever.

by kaisertown on Aug 21, 2008 10:31 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Upshaw was a fool these past couple of months

By refusing to name a successor out of fear of being cut out of the loop while negotiating a new CBA, he has now HOSED the Players Association entirely. The man was being hardheaded and has now created a situation where he won’t be remebered fondly as one of the PA’s best directors on top of being a HOF lineman, he will be remembered as the guy who F**ked it up on them trying to get a new deal.

His intransigence has been causing the PA a lot of trouble recently, and in a way, it almost seems like he was trying to make it as hard on the PA to move on if he dropped before the new CBA was made. Well Gene, you got your wish, hope the PA’s members think fondly of you in a couple of months/years.

BUT, barring that, he was indeed one of the best interior lineman to play the game, and he should be remembered fondly for that no matter what.

Fear the mighty helmet wearing gopher, he is coming for your soul....

by WABillsfan on Aug 22, 2008 2:27 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Wow, WA. You do realize that he was diagnosed SUNDAY, and died WEDNESDAY. It’s not like he planned it… he wasn’t a fool. He was caught off guard and didn’t have close to enough time to rectify his mistake. I can personally guarantee to you that the NFLPA will not come close to remembering Gene Upshaw in the way you mentioned. He was union chief for 25 years, and his biggest improvement was bringing about free agency. THAT, along with his playing career, is what he’ll be remembered for.

by Brian Galliford on Aug 22, 2008 6:39 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Once again though, you NEED a person in line for the job

That is why he was a fool in that context. He repeatedly fought his own constituents over naming a successor, which they wanted in case something happened (which by the way, DID). That is my arguement there, you must have in a very very very important job like his someone in line to take over in case the worst occurrs.

As for what will happen, do you honestly think the Owners will now give a single damn inch on anything to the players now that the guy who leads them is gone? Do you honestly think they will be even willing to talk with Bertleshon (can’t remember how to spell his name right now) on anything like an even basis? No, they won’t, and it will be because they know the man for what he is, a caretaker and short termer in that job. If Gene had named his successor, and made sure that they walked the same line like he was, then the Player’s Association would be working from a position of strength in the coming months. Now the Owners will wait and see what they can pull on the Union.

Fear the mighty helmet wearing gopher, he is coming for your soul....

by WABillsfan on Aug 22, 2008 10:11 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs