Aug 21st 2008 7:30AM by Michael David Smith (author feed)
Filed under: RaidersMultiple news outlets are reporting that Gene Upshaw, the Oakland Raiders Hall of Famer who has ruled the NFL players’ union for the last quarter century, has died at the age of 63.

Upshaw’s death was first reported by Jim Riggio of Clear Channel, who reported that Upshaw had pancreatic cancer. Upshaw had never disclosed that he was ill, but other outlets, including NBC Sports and the Post Chronicle, have also reported Upshaw’s death.

At 8:30 a.m. Eastern, the NFL confirmed Upshaw’s death.

Upshaw played for the Oakland Raiders from 1967 to 1981. He was active in the players’ union and became its executive director shortly after his retirement.