The Passing of a Legend

On Wednesday night NFL Players Union boss Gene Upshaw passed away at the age of 63. He died due to pancreatic cancer, a disease he only learned that he had on Sunday. He is survived by his wife Terri and his sons Eugene III, Justin, and Daniel.

Upshaw played guard for the Oakland Raiders for all 15 years of his playing career and was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1987. Upshaw was the only player in Pro Football history to play in three Super Bowls with the same team in three different decades and was a 7 time Pro Bowl selection and was named to the NFL 75th Anniversary All-Time team.

"The Raider organization, the National Football League, and the world have lost a great man," Raiders founder Al Davis said. "He is as prominent a sportsman as the world has known."

Despite his excellent playing career Gene Upshaw will always be remembered as the executive director of the National Football League Players' Association (NFLPA). Upshaw brought unimaginable wealth to all players of the NFL as he introduced free agency and a salary cap to the league allowing players to earn more money.

"If you look at the history of the NFL you're going to find out that he was one of the most influential people that the league has known. He did so much, not only for the players, but also for the owners, the teams, and the game of pro football," John Madden, who coached Upshaw when Oakland won its first Super Bowl, said in a statement.

Upshaw's influence on the game will be felt forever as with his actions ushered in a new age of prosperity where both players and owners benefited tremendously. However he was criticized heavily by his stance towards retired players. When former players who felt their pensions were insufficient attempted to have the league and the Association consider their plight, Upshaw responded: "I don't work for them. They are not union members and they have no vote." It was even suggested that a campaign was being led by Ravens kicker Matt Stover to oust Gene Upshaw as head of the NFLPA.

Even though he wasn't loved by everyone he was certainly respected by all as he was always trying to do what was best for the players of the NFL. Even the men that he had to sit across from at negotiations had respect for Upshaw.

"Gene Upshaw did everything with great dignity, pride, and conviction," Roger Goodell, Commissioner of the NFL said. "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."

Many of the younger players today know Upshaw only for his role with the NFLPA and had no idea that he was such a great player. Brandon Moore, the New York Jets player representative was 2 years old when Upshaw retired and said simply: "From what I hear, he was a pretty good player."

Upshaw will clearly be missed by everyone. His effect on the game will still be felt years from now and every player in the NFL right now that has a mansion and 5 cars should thank Upshaw because he made that all possible. He is a true legend of the game both on and off the field and someone that the NFL will sorely miss.