Reaction to Upshaw's death

   The Panthers' NFLPA player representatives, kicker John Kasay and snapper Jason Kyle, said they were shocked and saddened by the news today that players' union executive director Gene Upshaw had died.

   Upshaw, 63, died Wednesday night of pancreatic cancer at his home in Lake Tahoe, Ca. The NFLPA said he learned he was sick on Sunday. The union had planned to make Upshaw available to the media on Sept. 4 before the season-opening game between the Redskins and Giants.

   "I think it’s a sad day for anybody who has any affinity or relationship or caring about anything with the NFL because, really, I think when you step back and take a look at this, the NFL will never be the same," said Kasay.

   "Gene, for people with their opinions or whatever that they have about him, there has been a lot of stability and there has been a lot of improvements that have happened, especially for players. I think ultimately it has really benefited the league."

   Upshaw had been the NFLPA's executive director since 1963. He is survived by his wife and three sons.

   "It’s a big loss," said Kyle. "We’re much better off than we were when he took over. He’s done a great job. A lot of guys had differing opinions (about Upshaw), but at the end of the day he’s taken us a long way."

   Kyle and Kasay were elected by Panthers players to represent them in union business. As a result, they've worked closely with Upshaw.

   Kasay said Upshaw's death is a reminder of the brevity of life.

   "You want to try to project forward, (but) the reality is you’re not promised," said Kasay. "That really hits home for me. Personally, my father is the exactly same age as Gene Upshaw. He was born the same year.

   "So when I'm looking (at) `born 1945, deceased 2008,' that’s my father, literally exactly the same age. For me personally, I want to call my dad and say `I love you’ -- because you don’t know."

-- Charles Chandler