[Maestro1]

Frequently was listed as one of the most powerful men in U.S. sports, Upshaw was drafted in the first round by Oakland in 1967 out of Texas A&I -- hardly a football factory.

He was an NAIA All-American at center, tackle and end, but was switched to left guard by the Raiders.

And that's where he stayed through a magnificent career that included 10 conference championship games as well as the Super Bowl victories.

Bro. Upshaw was reported to have learned of his diagnosis of pancreatic cancer just this past Sunday, and he passed away last evening at his home in California.