Raiders, NFL, mourn loss of Gene Upshaw

Former Oakland/L.A. Raiders Hall of Fame guard, and most recently executive director of the NFL Players Assocation, Gene Upshaw has passed away at age 63, NFL.com has announced.

Upshaw led the NFL Players Association for the last quarter century, after a Hall of Fame career with the Oakland Raiders that spanned 15 seasons and culminated with two Super Bowl wins and seven Pro Bowl appearances.  

“Gene Upshaw did everything with great dignity, pride, and conviction,” NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell was quoted on NFL.com. “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.”

“He was and will remain a part of the fabric of our lives and of the Raider mystique and legacy,” Raiders owner Al Davis was quoted on NFL.com. “We loved him and he loved us. We will miss him.”

Source: NFL.com. Aug. 21, 2008 – 11:33 p.m. et