Hall of Famer Gene Upshaw dies at 63

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Pro Football Hall of Famer and longtime head of the NFL Players Association (NFLPA) Gene Upshaw has died after being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, the NFLPA announced on Thursday. He was 63.

Upshaw, seven times selected as a Pro Bowl guard during his playing career with the Raiders, was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1987 and had served as executive director of the players' union since 1983.

"We are deeply saddened and shocked by the sudden and unexpected death of our leader, Gene Upshaw," the NFLPA said in a statement on its website (www.nflplayers.com).

"Gene learned he was sick just this past Sunday and he died with his family at his side."

Upshaw, born in Robstown, Texas, played collegiately at Texas A&I. He was a first-round draft pick of the Oakland Raiders in 1967 and became the starting left guard as a rookie. He played on two Super Bowl title teams with the Raiders.

Upshaw led the players through a strike in 1987 and antitrust litigation against the league before presiding over a lengthy labor peace that helped the NFL to prosper as the most popular professional U.S. sports league.

"Gene Upshaw did everything with great dignity, pride, and conviction," NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell said in a statement.

"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.

"It is a sad day for the NFL but Gene's positive impact and legacy will live on for decades to come."

During his long tenure, he also came under criticism by factions in the players' union over his close relationship with former NFL commissioner Paul Tagliabue and the limited benefits package provided for retired players.

(Writing by Larry Fine, Editing by Clare Fallon)