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0 Comments | USA TODAY, August, 2008

*"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. It is a sad day for the NFL, but Gene's positive impact and legacy will live on." -- NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell

*"Gene Upshaw's career successes as a professional football player and a union leader are unparalleled. He is as prominent a sportsman as the world has known." -- Oakland Raiders owner Al Davis

*"All of the young men who play in the NFL today owe a great debt to Gene, and all of us who enjoy the success of the NFL...