Gene Upshaw, NFLPA Executive Director and Hall of Fame Guard, has died at the age of 63.  Upshaw was diagnosed with Pancreatic Cancer just days ago on Sunday, with the diagnosis coming so late that there were no medical steps to be taken. Many of Upshaw’s closest friends, family, and colleagues are still in shock at the suddenness of his death.

Upshaw’s wife Terri said that she noticed his labored breathing and that he generally was not feeling well and urged him to visit the Emergency Room on Sunday. It was there that Upshaw received the diagnosis of Cancer and the deterioration happened rapidly. Upshaw died with his wife and sons by his side.

Upshaw has represented the NFLPA for nearly a quarter century, beginning in 1983, and taking the league through the 1987 strike and on to the labor agreement in 1993 that implemented free agency and a salary cap. Two years ago, Upshaw negotiated the current labor agreement that has seen players prosper so much,  the owners have opted out of the agreement.

Between Upshaw’s outstanding 15-season playing career from 1967 to ‘81 with the Oakland Raiders, to his impact on the league through his labor negotiations, Upshaw will be remembered as one of the more influential characters in the history of the National Football League. As a player, he won two Super Bowls and made seven Pro Bowl appearances. As an executive, he faithfully represented the players for 25 years, doing his best to change with the times and appropriately represent the game he loved so much. Gene Upshaw will be missed.