NFL union official Gene Upshaw dies

WASHINGTON, Aug. 21 (UPI) -- Gene Upshaw, the Pro Football Hall of Fame guard who became the NFL Players Association executive director, has died at 63.

Upshaw's death, apparently due to pancreatic cancer, was announced Thursday by Jeffrey Kessler, a lawyer who has represented the NFLPA in labor negotiations. The NFLPA Web site carried the announcement of Upshaw's death, saying he'd only recently learned he had cancer.

Kessler said Upshaw was not diagnosed until Sunday night "and he didn't tell anybody."

Upshaw is survived by his wife, Terri, and sons, Justin, Daniel and Eugene Jr.

Upshaw played 16 seasons for the Oakland Raiders. He was a seven-time Pro Bowl selection, a five-time all-pro and played on two Super Bowl champions. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1987.

"He did so many great things for the players and for the league, so upon hearing the news that he had passed, certainly at first, in disbelief," said Miami Dolphins defensive end Vonnie Holliday. "I couldn't believe it and then once we confirmed it, saddened of course."

"This is a sad day for all of professional football," said Pittsburgh Steelers Chairman Dan Rooney. "The NFL and the entire football world will miss him greatly."

"Gene Upshaw did everything with great dignity, pride, and conviction," said NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell. "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."