The countdown to the Raiders’ season opener against the Patriots at Foxboro has reached 63 days. As part of this countdown, attention turns to the number 63 jersey, a number currently not worn by any player on the team. The last Raider to wear it in a regular season game was Lamar Mady in 2013 for seven games. Prior to that, Barret Robbins donned it in 2003.
Gene Upshaw is recognized as the most distinguished player to have worn number 63 for the Raiders. Known as “Highway 63,” Upshaw played a pivotal role in helping the Raiders secure two Super Bowl victories. He was a starter from his rookie year and helped lead the team to its first Super Bowl appearance. Notably, he remains the only NFL player to reach the Super Bowl with the same team across three different decades.
Throughout his career, Upshaw appeared in seven Pro Bowls and was named an All-Pro five times. He played for 15 years without missing a game or start for his first 14 seasons, setting an NFL record with 231 consecutive games. Upshaw was part of the Hall of Fame All-1970s Team and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1987 during his first year of eligibility.
Upshaw also contributed significantly off the field as Executive Director of the NFL Players Association before passing away from pancreatic cancer in 2008, just five days after turning 63.
Gene Upshaw’s legacy includes his crucial role in securing victory for the Oakland Raiders in Super Bowl XI through his powerful blocking efforts.
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