Gene Upshaw passes away

by Deke on Aug 21, 2008 6:46 AM CDT

Hall of Fame player and longtime NFL Players Association executive director Gene Upshaw has died, according to a report citing unnamed sources by Clear Channel Online.

Upshaw's illness was unreported on and his death was wholly unexpected.

Often a lightning rod for criticism for a too-cozy relationship with former NFL commissioner Paul Tagliabue, Upshaw presided over major gains for players.

http://nbcsports.msnbc.com/id/26326065/

The recently often embattled head of the NFLPA passes away at the age of 63, It's also being reported that he apparently died of pancreatic cancer. This was very unexpected as there hasn't been any indication that Gene was even ill.

Gene was accused by some players that wanted him out of being to close to the NFL commisioner and the league and not looking out for the players on issues. Recently, there have been calls for him to step down via retirement, but Gene stood fast. There certainly will be a long search for his successor and could throw a wrench into the NFLPA and the leagues contract negotiations that the Teams opted out of this year that could bring an uncapped year.. Whether you like him or not, Gene had a great deal to do with the way the players and the league have grown over the years into the multi-billion dollar industry that it is today.

Another user-created commentary provided by a BTB reader.

Tweet Comment 14 comments | 0 recs |

Do you like this story?

Comments

WOW!!!!!

That WAS unexpected! May he rest in peace!

by John Boy on Aug 21, 2008 7:36 AM CDT reply actions

+1

"If you see me up in the mountains with a lion, I ain't lyin
don't help me, help the mountain lion"

by Wmillion on Aug 21, 2008 1:42 PM CDT up reply actions

Man,,,,, prayers to his family

by bad knees on Aug 21, 2008 7:38 AM CDT reply actions

Out of the blue...

I had no idea he was sick. SI did a great write up on him a few months ago. I have very few opinions on the labor situation in the NFL- largely because I don’t know the first thing about it. But I was impressed by the sheer amount of conviction this guy had.

by gaz0425 on Aug 21, 2008 8:39 AM CDT reply actions

Some mentioned that at the HOF game he looked like he had lost a lot of weight. So this was not as sudden as it sounds. The Question is when did he know how serious it was.

by burmafrd1944 on Aug 21, 2008 9:54 AM CDT reply actions

He was informed on Sunday about it

My thoughts and prayers to his family.

"Out of need springs desire, and out of desire springs the energy and the will to win."

by DaveTroll on Aug 21, 2008 1:26 PM CDT up reply actions

ESPN Link

Upshaw died Wednesday night at his home in Lake Tahoe, Calif., 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.

Story

"Out of need springs desire, and out of desire springs the energy and the will to win."

by DaveTroll on Aug 21, 2008 1:29 PM CDT up reply actions

Wow, that's really sad.

RIP Gene.

by grapejoos on Aug 21, 2008 2:28 PM CDT up reply actions

Dang

I’ll pour some out to him.

That #38 sure should wrap up!

by Aaron Novinger on Aug 21, 2008 11:36 AM CDT reply actions

+1

by Billito on Aug 21, 2008 2:45 PM CDT up reply actions

Sadly enough alot of people didn't care for the guy

and I’m sure many are glad he is gone. I followed the union situation for awhile and alot of the excutive board members were ready to impeach him if they could. They have had talks for awhile behind his back for his successor. To find out Sunday he had Cancer and die 4 days later he must have had it for some time. Whether he knew something was wrong or not who knows, but that type of Cancer has a 5-10% survivor rate and once your diagnosed with it only a matter of months before the end. Knowbody can discount his HOF career as a player.

Look up... get up...Don't ever, ever give up!!

by Boyzfan94 on Aug 21, 2008 6:07 PM CDT reply actions

Great insight.

No matter what people think or have thought of him, a guy dedicated to the sport, to the game, to what it can do for America should be remembered fondly. The NFL is America’s sport.

That #38 sure should wrap up!

by Aaron Novinger on Aug 21, 2008 10:02 PM CDT up reply actions

This is so scary

That he died literally days after being diagnosed. They obviously caught it very late.

No matter what the last few years showed, this guy was a superstar as the head of the NFLPA. Under his leadership, the players went from being paid basically nothing (compared to MLB and NBA) to currently getting 60% of teams monstrous revenue.

HoF player, HoF leader.

RIP.

by mhuff13 on Aug 22, 2008 12:46 PM CDT reply actions