Gene Upshaw, 63, longtime NFL Players Association executive director and Hall of Fame offensive lineman has died of pancreatic cancer on August 21, 2008. According to lawyer Jeffrey Kessler, Upshaw received his diagnosis only days ago and did not reveal the news to anyone.
As the union head, Upshaw was involved in the 1987 strike that led to replacement football. He also assisted NFL players in obtaining free agency.
Upshaw started for the Oakland Raiders from 1967-1981, during which they won two Super Bowl championships. He was a seven time Pro Bowl pick and five time all-pro.
Gene Upshaw is survived by his wife Terri Upshaw and sons, Justin, Daniel and Eugene Jr.
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Source: USA Today