We’ve been losing so many important black figures lately. It started with Bernie Mac and Isaac Hays. Then just yesterday with Stephanie Tubbs. Unfortunately it continues as miamimarcus sent me word that Pro Football Hall of Famer Gene Upshaw has passed as well.

Reports from various sources are saying that Gene Upshaw has died after a battle with pancreatic cancer, that he was only diagnosed with last Sunday.

Gene most recently served as executive director of the players’ association and is widely credited as getting players free agency back in the 90’s. Readers with longer memeries will know Upshaw from his time as a offensive linemen from 1967 through 1981, where he was an 11-time All-Pro and won two Super Bowls with the Raiders.

Here’s what NFL commissioner Roger Goodell had to say about Upshaw…

“Gene Upshaw did everything with great dignity, pride, and conviction. 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.”

In reading about the death of Gene Upshaw one thing jumped out at me which is the fact that he died of a cancer that he had just been diagnosed with less than a week ago. I don’t know enough about the case to speculate as to whether the cancer could have been caught earlier or whether it would have mattered in the end if it had but I can say that we have to get regular check ups people. Many deaths from cancer could have been prevented if they were caught earlier.