What Does GU 63 Mean in the NFL?

In 2008, then executive director of the National Football League Players' Association (NFLPA) and former pro football player Gene Upshaw died from pancreatic cancer. Following his death, NFL teams and players wore emblems in honor of Upshaw's passing.

  1. GU 63

    • During the 2008 NFL season, players wore black patches that read "GU 63" on their uniforms as a tribute to Upshaw's playing career and accomplishments as head of the NFLPA. "GU" were Upshaw's initials and "63" was the jersey number he wore during his 15-year career with the Oakland Raiders. Coincidentally, 63 was also Upshaw's age at the time of his passing.

    Golf Tournament

    • To further honor Upshaw's life and accomplishments, the Gene Upshaw Memorial Golf Classic was created in 2009 at the Golf Club at Grays Crossing in Truckee, Calif. A variation of the "GU 63" patch worn by NFL players is prominently displayed in the golf tournament's logo.

    Further Honors

    • During the opening weekend of the 2008 NFL season, several teams, including the Raiders, displayed a painted replica of the "GU 63" patch on their football fields. Upshaw's three sons and widow, Terri, participated in the coin toss of the league's opening game between the Washington Redskins and New York Giants.