THE GOVERNORThe Raider organization, the National Football League, and the world have lost a great man. Gene Upshaw’s career successes as a professional football player and as a union leader are unparalleled. He is as prominent a sportsman as the world has known. He was and will remain a part of the fabric of our lives and of the Raider mystique and legacy. We loved him and he loved us. Our hearts go out to Terry and the boys.
-Al Davis
Joined Raiders: 1st round draft choice, 1967
Inducted into Pro Football Hall of Fame on August 8, 1987...All-Pro or All-Conference eight times, played in six Pro Bowls and one AFL All-Star game...All-time Raider leader in games played with 217... Missed only one league game in career...207 consecutive league games and starts are both second on Raider list...
Only player in NFL history to participate in Super Bowls in three different decades (after 1967,1976 and 1980 seasons)...Holds Raider all-time record with 24 playoff game starts...Offensive team captain for nine years (1973-81)...
Only second guard inducted into Pro Football Hall of Fame...During 15-year active pro career, the Raiders made 11 playoff appearances, won eight division titles, one AFL Championship, two AFC titles and two World Championships of Professional Football ...
Named to AFL-NFL 25-year All-Star, NFL 75th Anniversary All-Time and All Monday Night Teams...Chosen to the Hall of Fame in first year of eligibility...Currently Executive Director of NFL Players Association.
A TRUE RAIDER R.I.P. #63
2008/2009 Is for Gene Upshaw.Play like Champions.
2 comments:
I really hope that the Raiders do something this season very special to honor the legacy of Gene. At the bare minimum, a #63 patch on the uniform and helment.
It is times like today where you wish the Raiders would erect a museum or part of the stadium to honor the history of the organization.
The history and traditions of the Raiders is one of the reasons I've become a lifelong fan. Anything and everything to keep the torch lit is commendable.
Football fans would be hard pressed to find a better guard/tackle combination of Upshaw and Shell. In my opinion, this is and will continue to be the best tandem ever.
RIP Governor.
R.I.P. Gene,
Gone but not to be forgotten.A great RAIDER indeed.
Isn't it terrible how quickly these things can happen?Just a few days from diagnosis to death.Very,very sad story and a great loss to the NFL and the Nation.
He will be much missed
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