A Statement from Dr. Bob Strawser, Interim President
Texas A&M University-Kingsville

“Javelinas throughout the world are in mourning today. The world has lost one of the greats of collegiate and professional football but more importantly, we personally have lost our friend and alumnus, Gene Upshaw, Class of 1968, who died Wednesday (August 20).

“Mr. Upshaw exhibited the traits of a Javelina throughout his life – integrity, honesty, loyalty, tenacity and a commitment to excellence. His parents raised him with these values here at home in South Texas, in Robstown. These values also helped lead him to succeed as a walk-on with the Javelinas in 1963.  And, they were honed and nurtured by the Javelinas’ legendary Coach Gil Steinke during Gene’s stellar playing days from 1963-1966. He also was a member of the Javelina track and field team and set the school record in the shot put. Gene was a member of the ‘T’ Association, the Javelina letter-winners organization.

“As he first achieved greatness as a Hall of Fame offensive lineman with the Oakland Raiders, and then as executive director of the NFL Players Association, Mr. Upshaw continued to show the world what being a Javelina means. He was a first-round draft pick of the Raiders, spending 16 seasons with the team and was a key player in the Raiders’ two Super Bowl victories.  He made seven Pro Bowl appearances and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in his initial year of eligibility in 1987.

“Gene was just as successful after his playing days ended. As executive director of the Players Association, Mr. Upshaw always performed his responsibilities with dignity, conviction and total dedication to the players he represented. He fought hard, but fairly, for his players, and is credited with leading the association in its creation of the free-agency system.

“Students today can look to Gene Upshaw as a role model of what it means to be a Javelina as well as a student-athlete, both on and off the field. After his collegiate playing days, Gene returned to then-Texas A&I and earned his bachelor of science degree in 1968. He took that degree and earned his place as one of the leading figures in professional sports management in our nation.

“Our hearts go out to his family – wife Terri, sons Eugene, Jr., Justin and Daniel, and his brother Marvin. As painful as our loss is, theirs is the greatest.

“While we are shocked into sadness over his sudden passing, we also are so grateful to be able to say, ‘Gene Upshaw is a Javelina’ and is now in a better place. He lived his life in a manner that all of us find inspiring and should emulate.”