You know what they say about karma.

That was the first thing that popped in my head when I read this morning that NFL great and NFLPA executive director Gene Upshaw had passed away.

On the field, Upshaw is one of the greatest offensive lineman in NFL history.

His seven Pro Bowl selections and two Super Bowl rings support that claim.

But off the field, he was a tough son-of-a-bitch who spoke his mind without caring about the possible repercussions.

The NFL wouldn’t be where it’s at now without Upshaw’s hard work and desire over these last 25 years.

That’s not to say Upshaw didn’t have his faults along the way.

Most recently in 2006 when news broke that 325 retired players from the AFL and NFL were receiving minimal disability benefits.

When fellow Hall of Fame guard Joe DeLamielleure spoke up on behalf of the players, Upshaw had this to say:

“A guy like DeLamiellure says the things he said about me, you think I’m going to invite him to dinner? “No. I’m going to break his … damn neck.”

DeLamielleure was one of the first to respond on the news of Upshaw’s death.

“The reality of life for all the guys who played in the NFL, including Gene, is that we have a short life span. It’s just the way it is,” he said. “I have sympathy for his family. I have sympathy for his wife and children.”

R.I.P., Gene.

TAGS: Gene Upshaw, NFL

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