This came as a total shock to me — I didn't even know he was sick. I guess I've been away from the Bay for too long.

Age 63 may seem old to a lot of the kids on here, but it's way too soon. I remember rooting for him as a kid during his mid-late-'70s Raiders heyday. He always seemed like a very cool, charismatic dude, and a born leader. No surprise he became head of the players' union.

Anyway, thoughts, prayers, condolences to the family, etc.