Date: September 2, 2008

Statement From Pop Warner Little Scholars, Inc. Executive Director Jon Butler
Regarding the Memorial Service and Passing of Gene Upshaw, Executive Director of the NFLPA.

"Gene will of course be remembered as a great man, a Hall of Famer and a superb union leader, but he was much more than that.  His love of the game of football was demonstrated by his unwavering support of Pop Warner Football and extended to Pop Warner fields across the country.

He cared about making football America’s sport and knew to grow the sport that it was essential to focus on the game at the youth level. Gene was instrumental in forming the NFL Youth Football Fund to support grassroots football organizations like Pop Warner as part of the 1998 Collective Bargaining Agreement, and that commitment has had a tremendous impact on Pop Warner programs across the country enabling Pop Warner’s expansion to include a presence in almost every NFL City and in six foreign countries.  

Gene’s legacy extends beyond the pro game and will have a lasting impact on youth football and communities throughout the world.  His leadership and support will be sorely missed, but we are proud to have worked with such a dedicated leader and partner.  Our sympathies and gratitude go out to his family, friends and the NFLPA."

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Read More about the Life of Gene Upshaw

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