[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 144 (Thursday, September 11, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1768]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 HONORING THE LIFE OF GENE UPSHAW, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE NATIONAL 
                  FOOTBALL LEAGUE PLAYERS ASSOCIATION

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. JOHN CONYERS, JR.

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 11, 2008

  Mr. CONYERS. Madam Speaker, I rise to honor the memory and 
accomplishments of Gene Upshaw, a tremendous athlete and upstanding 
individual who had a successful career both on and off the football 
field. During his 16-year career as a National Football League player, 
he was an 11-time All-Pro offensive guard for the Oakland Raiders and 
was elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1987, his first year of 
eligibility. He played in 217 league games and appeared in six Pro 
Bowls. He was named Lineman of the Year in the AFC in 1973 and 1974. In 
1977, he was voted top lineman in the NFL, and runner-up for that honor 
in 1980. Upshaw is the only player in NFL history to play with the same 
team in three Super Bowls in three different decades--in the 1960s, 
1970s, and 1980s.
  Not only did Upshaw have an outstanding career on the field, but he 
also had a distinguished career off the field serving 38 years with the 
NFL Players Association. Upshaw worked as a player representative and 
officer for 13 years. He served as alternate representative or player 
representative for the Raiders from 1970 to 1976 and was a member of 
the executive committee from 1976 through 1980 when he was elected 
president of the NFLPA, a post he held until 1983.
  Upshaw served as Executive Director of the NFLPA from June 1983 up 
until his death on August 20, 2008. As the first African-American labor 
leader in a major sport, Upshaw was a forceful advocate on behalf of 
professional football players. During his tenure, Upshaw skillfully 
negotiated several collective bargaining agreements and extensions that 
have been credited with enhancing the rights and compensation of NFL 
players.
  Upshaw's career was best summed up by his close friend Art Shell, who 
played next to him on Oakland's offensive line and in 1989 became the 
first African-American coach of the modern era when he took over the 
Raiders. ``Gene was a true pioneer as one of the few African-American 
leaders of a major union. He was the equal of owners in negotiations 
and made the league a better place for all players. Playing alongside 
of Gene was an honor and a privilege. He was a pillar of strength and 
leadership for our great Raider teams.''
  I extend my heartfelt condolences and prayers to his wife, Terri, his 
three sons, Justin, Daniel, and Eugene, Jr., and the entire National 
Football League community.

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