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Eugene Thurman Upshaw, Jr.
Enshrined into Pro Football Hall of Fame: August 8, 1987 (first year of eligibility)
Class of 1987
Guard >>> 6-5, 255
(Texas A&I)
Joined Raiders: 1st round draft choice, 1967
1967-1981 Oakland Raiders
Born August 15, 1945, in Robstown, Texas.
Gene Upshaw was the Oakland Raiders' first-round choice in the first combined AFL-NFL draft in 1967. The 6-5, 255-pound lineman had played center, tackle, and end while winning NAIA All-America honors at Texas A&I.
The Raiders' coaching staff decided left guard would be Gene's best pro position and Upshaw won the starting job in his rookie training camp. Upshaw's size, it was felt, would help neutralize the effectiveness of Ernie Ladd and Buck Buchanan, two huge defensive tackles in Oakland's division.
Gene held the guard spot for the next 15 seasons, starting in 207 straight regular season games until finally being forced out of action for one game in 1981. Upshaw returned the next week to play 10 more games in what turned out to be his final season. He was scheduled to play again in 1982, but an injury in the summer season put him on the injured reserved list for the entire campaign.
Altogether Upshaw played in an incredible 307 preseason, regular season, and post-season contests. Included in his 24 post-season games were three AFL and seven AFC championship games and Super Bowls II, XI and XV. Counting the AFL championship in 1967 and victories in Super Bowls XI and XV, Upshaw became the only player ever to start on championship teams in both the AFL and NFL.
Honors came frequently for Upshaw. He was named first- or second-team All-League or All-Conference 11 consecutive years, and he was named to play in seven Pro Bowls. Upshaw was an intense, intelligent, dedicated competitor who used his excellent size and speed to best advantage.
Extremely effective leading wide running plays; Gene was an integral part of the powerful offensive line that spawned the Raiders' lethal running attack of the 1970s. Recognized as a team leader, Upshaw captained the Raiders' offensive unit for eight seasons.
First who played guard exclusively to enter Hall.
No. 1 draft pick, 1967.
Won regular left guard job as rookie.
207 consecutive league games and starts
Played in 307 games altogether.
Possessed size, speed, intelligence, intensity, exceptional leadership ability.
Extremely effective leading sweeps.
Played in 10 AFL/AFC title games, three Super Bowls
7-time Pro Bowler: 1968, 1972, 1973, 1974, 1975, 1976, 1977
All-Pro or All-Conference eight times
All-league seven years, second-team All-NFL four other times.
Named to AFL-NFL 25-year All-Star, NFL 75th Anniversary All-Time
and All Monday Night Teams
Only player ever to start on championship teams in both the AFL and NFL
Only player in NFL history to participate in Super Bowls in three different decades
College Highlights:
• Won NAIA All-America Honors at Texas A&I
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