Gene Upshaw, a Hall of Fame Offensive Lineman for the Oakland Raiders and a lightning rod for both sides in the union-management struggle in the National Football League died Wednesday of pancreatic cancer. He had just turned 63 on August 15th.
Upshaw ((picture, thanks insidebayarea.com)) had only been diagnosed this past weekend and his condition deteriorated rapidly.
After 15 seasons as a guard for the Silver and Black, he became the head of the NFLPA in 1983. His decisions, including decertifying the player's union in the late 1980's, drew criticism from players, alumni, and front offices, but they helped shape the strength of the union and the collective bargaining process as we know it today.
Upshaw also drew fire in recent years for his stance on medical issues and care regarding the league's earlier ((read, pre-1965)) talent pool. This included an outburst from ex-NFL'er Joe DeLamielleure, whose thoughts on the issue at the time centered on the catch phrase: "Screw Upshaw."
Upshaw's impact on the game could, very easily, be considered the equivalent of what Marvin Miller did for the sport of baseball a decade or so before Upshaw had his chance.
Gary Peterson's column from the Oakland Tribune is here
Nancy Gay's work from the San Francisco Chronicle can be found here
Here's a look back at the 1976 Raiders for your viewing pleasure...
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