Gene Upshaw, the executive director of the NFL Players Assocation, passed away at the age of 63. He lead the union for a quarter of a century and negotiated some of the most important agreements between players and the NFL.

In recent years, he has contemplated retiring around the same time Paul Tagliabue, the former NFL Commissioner, retired. He also faced calls for a formal plan to replace him. He was also an offensive lineman for the Raiders back in the day and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Despite the salary cap, players prospered under the contract he negotiated. Some criticized him for allowing a salary cap and not doing enough to address healthcare for retired players.

Upshaw apparently died from pancreatic cancer that was not found until recently. He is survived by his wife and three sons.