Gene Upshaw
Inducted:
1987
Player Stats
6 ft 5 in (1.96 m)
255 lb (116 kg)
Born:
August 15, 1945
Robstown, Texas, U.S.
Died:
August 20, 2008
Lake Tahoe, California, U.S.
Position:
Guard
College:
Texas A&I (1963–1966)
Gene Upshaw was one of the most dominant guards in NFL history and a cornerstone of the Oakland Raiders’ powerful offensive line. Drafted in 1967, he became the first offensive lineman to start in Super Bowls during three different decades, showcasing remarkable longevity and consistency. Upshaw’s strength, mobility, and leadership helped drive the Raiders’ feared rushing attack and provided reliable protection for quarterbacks Daryle Lamonica, Ken Stabler, and Jim Plunkett. He played in 15 AFL/NFL Championship Games and was a guiding presence during the team’s Super Bowl XI and XV victories.
Known for his toughness and steady play, Upshaw set the standard for modern guard performance. Inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1987, he later shaped the league’s labor landscape as Executive Director of the NFL Players Association. His influence on the field and within the league remains unmatched among offensive linemen.
Upshaw's Awards and Honors
- 2× Super Bowl champion (XI, XV)
- AFL champion (1967)
- 3× first-team All-Pro (1970, 1974, 1977)
- 2× first-team All-AFL (1968, 1969)
- 5× second-team All-Pro (1971–1973, 1975, 1976)
- Second-team All-AFL (1967)
- 6× Pro Bowl (1972–1977)
NFL Records
- First offensive lineman to play in Super Bowls in three different decades
- Key leader of Raiders’ dominant offensive lines of the 1970s
- Major architect of modern NFL labor policies as NFLPA Executive Director
NFL Teams
Oakland Raiders (1967–1981)
NFL Draft:
1967: 1st round, 17th overall pick
Oakland Raiders
Number Worn:
63
NFL Stats
Seasons:
15 (1967–1981)
Games Played:
217
Games Started:
207
Fumble recoveries:
5
Super Bowl Championships:
2 (XI, XV)
AFL champion:
1 (1967)
Pro Bowl:
6 (1972–1977)