New York, NY -- (Sports Network) - The NFL Players Association named longtime general counsel Richard Berthelsen its interim director Thursday, hours after the untimely passing of Gene Upshaw.

The NFLPA made the decision after a conference call Thursday afternoon, according to the NFL Network.

Upshaw, the longtime head of the NFL players union and Pro Football Hall of Famer, died at the age of 63.

The first NFL Hall of Famer who played exclusively offensive guard, Upshaw was battling pancreatic cancer. According to a posting on the NFLPA's web site, Upshaw only learned that he had cancer on Sunday.

The former Oakland and Los Angeles Raider had served as executive director of the NFL Players Association since 1983, but came under fire in recent years by both current and former players for his perceived shortcomings in the position.

A seven-time Pro Bowl selection and 11-time All Pro, Upshaw was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1987, his first year of eligibility.