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Gene Upshaw, the Hall of Fame player who was the longtime executive director of the NFL Players Association, has died.

He was 63.

Upshaw had been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, according to several reports.

An NFL Players Association official confirmed Upshaw's death.

The union posted a written statement on its website that said: "We are deeply saddened and shocked by the sudden and unexpected death of our leader, Gene Upshaw. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his wife, Terri, and their three sons--Eugene, Justin and Daniel. Gene learned he was sick just this past Sunday and he died with his family at his side. We ask that the media respect our need to begin the process of dealing with this unexpected tragedy and to begin the grieving process."

Upshaw Dead at 63....