RIP Gene Upshaw

Former NFL star and hall of fame guard Gene Upshaw passed away on Wednesday night at the age of 63 due to pancreatic cancer. Upshaw is perhaps best known for his work as head of the NFLPA, a title which he held for 25 years.

The news comes as a bit of a shock to those in the football community as Upshaw was said to have relatively good health until this past weekend when he was taken to the emergency room due to difficulty breathing. It was then that he was diagnosed with cancer.

NFL commissioner Roger Goodell issued the following statement following the news of Upshaw's passing:

"Gene Upshaw did everything with great dignity, pride, and conviction. 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. He fought hard for the players and always kept his focus on what was best for the game. His leadership played a crucial role in taking the NFL and its players to new heights."

It is a sad day in sports when any former professional athlete dies, let alone one who was only 63. Our thoughts and go out to the Upshaw family following this tragic loss.