Hall of Fame guard and current NFLPA Executive Director Gene Upshaw has passed away at the age of 83 after losing his battle with pancreatic cancer.

Few people in the history of the National Football League have played the game as well as Gene and then had another career in football with so much positive impact on the structure and competitiveness of the entire league as Gene,” former NFL commissioner Paul Tagliabue said.

Upshaw was a well respected man and many people spoke very highly of him.

“Gene Upshaw did everything with great dignity, pride and conviction,” NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell said. “He was the rare individual who earned his place in the Pro Football Hall of Fame both for his accomplishments on the field and for his leadership of the players off the field. He fought hard for the players and always kept his focus on what was best for the game. His leadership played a crucial role in taking the NFL and its players to new heights.”

“He was and will remain a part of the fabric of our lives and of the Raider mystique and legacy,” Raiders owner Al Davis said. “We loved him and he loved us. We will miss him.”

“He did so much, not only for the players, but also for the owners, the teams, and the game of pro football. In that, he is obviously going to be missed,” John Madden said in a statement issued by NBC. “He was respected by everyone, because as a player he was a tough guy, and as the union head he was a tough guy. But he was also smart, and he could compromise, and he could make things happen.”

Upshaw whas done nothing but great things for the National Footbal League and he will be missed.

Rest in Peace.