I had gotten Jeff at Dallas Cowboys training camp so long ago, I figured it was time to get him on the remaining cards I had. The Action Packed 1992 was a great dual signature candidate, since both players remain decent signers through the mail, and it’s a great card to boot.
I was surprised that Gameday didn’t have a 1992 card of him, but the Topps Stadium Club fit in nicely as a nice c-tier card to get autographed.
I hadn’t gotten Pat since the 90s and since he had a very inspirational looking Classic 1991 card, I thought I’d reload and send a few out. A solid signer TTM he, took care of all four cards in under 30 days.
CARD: Action Packed Whizzer White Award 1991 ACQUIRED: EBay, 2023
CAREER SNAPSHOT:
Gene Upshaw played OL for Texas A&I from 1963-’66.
He was selected by Oakland Raiders in the first round of the 1967 draft.
Considered one of the finest OL to ever play, was a fixture at OG for the Raiders for 16 seasons.
Has numerous distinctions on resume, including being the first player to appear in a Super Bowl in 3 different decades, and most consecutive starts to begin NFL career (231).
Offensive team captain for 9 seasons (1973-’81).
Was a firsthand witness to many of the NFL’s most memorable games such as the Ghost to the Post, The Sea of Hands, and the Holly Roller.
During NFL career became extremely active in union activity with the NFLPA, eventually ascending to Executive Director.
ACCOLADES:
Pro Football Hall of Fame
All Pro 1970, ’74, ’77
Second Team All Pro 1971-’73, ’75
Pro Bowl 1972-’77
All AFL All Star 1968
NFL All Decade Team 1970s
Byron Whizzer White Award 1980
NFL 75th Anniversary Team
NFL 100th Anniversary Team
Bay Area Sports Hall of Fame
1982 A. Phillip Randolph Award
NOTES:
Gene had long passed by the time I got around to this set, so I thought it’d be a challenge to get any of the deceased players. Much to my amazement his autograph showed up a few years ago on EBay on this exact card- but I forgot to place a bid and missed out on it. I was kicking myself for quite a while on it until this one popped up at the same time Willie Davis appeared. I pulled the trigger on both and was able to add both of them to my collection.
It should be noted that Gene’s autograph… is upside down.
EPITAPH:
9/20/2008- Gene passed away suddenly from pancreatic cancer, surrounded by friends and family at the Tahoe Forest Hospital in Truckee, CA. He was 63.
After his passing his family established a foundation in his name, and an annual golf tournament to help cover patient and family costs, at the Gene Upshaw Memorial Tahoe Forest Cancer Center.
Celebrating the game, the players, the cards, and the autographs for over 25 years.
