Gene Upshaw

Gene Upshaw was a prominent American football player and executive. He played as a guard for the Oakland Raiders in the NFL from 1967 to 1981, earning multiple Pro Bowl selections. After retiring as a player, he became the executive director of the NFL Players Association, advocating for players' rights, benefits, and fair labor practices. Upshaw was known for his leadership and influence in improving player compensation and working conditions. He passed away in 2008, but remains remembered for his significant impact on professional football and players' advocacy.