What about Bob?

From a conversation with ESPN's Chris Mortensen this morning:

"I got a call late last night telling me the sad news and it was something that was a shock to me. But it was something also that’s probably indicative of the way Gene led his life. He was very quiet and very strong-willed, and pride was a word that I always associated with him. He went his own way. My thoughts and prayers are with Terri and the kidshaven’t given any thought to that. I look at Gene as just a terrific man who’s provided such great leadership to his players. It’s obviously something that we’ll have to deal with, but I’m certain that his legacy and his leadership will live on and hopefully that will be kept strong in everyone’s mind as we go forward and face the issues we need to face going forward."

How would you explain who Gene Upshaw was in terms of your dealings with him?
"Gene was a guy that had so much respect for the game. His love of the game really dictated everything as it related to how he approached issues. He fought hard for his players, he was fair, and he was respectful to everybody. The thing I always remember about Gene is he always treated me as an individual, somebody with whom he had a good relationship, and he did that with everybody that I saw. I think that’s something that will be a legacy, at least for me, as it relates to Gene Upshaw."

Within his own group it seemed like he was under attack for various reasons, including retired players. Even some in his own ranks right now wanted a change or a successor, which is ironic.
"I don’t think you’re going to find many people who did more for NFL players than Gene Upshaw. He was a leader of the union for several years and really in a position of authority within that union for three decades now. I think there are not many people who have done more for the NFL players – and I can’t think of one – than Gene Upshaw."