It was a real shock waking up this morning and hearing that Gene had passed away.  And it was such a shock because we all talk about Raiders, and Raider family, and team being family and when something like this happens, you realize that you really are family.  Today we lost someone in our family.

Gene was a great player. He was an All-Pro. He was a Hall of Famer.  If you look at the history of the NFL you’re going to find out that he was one of the most influential people that the league has known.  He did so much, not only for the players, but also for the owners, the teams, and the game of pro football.  In that, he is obviously going to be missed.  He was respected by everyone, because as a player he was a tough guy, and as the union head he was a tough guy.  But he was also smart, and he could compromise, and he could make things happen.  This is deeper than head of the union passing away, and it’s deeper than an ex-player.  This is missing someone that is and was like family.  It’s a tough day for all of us.

-- John Madden

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