BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — Former Oakland Raiders quarterback Kenny Stabler, one of the NFL’s most colorful players, has died at the age of 69.
Stabler was known as “The Snake,” a nickname he earned in high school from his coach at Foley High School following a long, winding touchdown run.
Stabler was recruited by Paul “Bear” Bryant to play at Alabama, joining the team in 1964. As a junior in 1966, he led the Crimson Tide to an undefeated 11-0 season. He finished his senior season with 8 wins.
Stabler went on to play in the National Football League for the Oakland Raiders from 1970-79, the Houston Oilers from 1980-81 and the New Orleans Saints from 1982-84.
Stabler threw for over 28,000 yards in his NFL career and was named NFL MVP following the 1974 season. He also led the Raiders to victory over the Minnesota Vikings in Super Bowl XI.
“The Raiders are deeply saddened by the passing of the great Ken Stabler,” said owner Mark Davis in a statement on Thursday. “He was a cherished member of the Raider family and personified what it means to be a Raider. He wore the Silver and Black with Pride and Poise and will continue to live in the hearts of Raider fans everywhere. Our sincerest thoughts and prayers go out to Kenny’s family.”
“I was head coach of the Raiders the entire time Kenny was there and he led us to a whole bunch of victories including one in Super Bowl XI,” said former Raiders head coach and longtime broadcaster John Madden in a statement on Thursday. “I’ve often said, If I had one drive to win a game to this day, and I had a quarterback to pick, I would pick Kenny. Snake was a lot cooler that I was. He was a perfect quarterback and a perfect Raider. When you think about the Raiders you think about Ken Stabler. Kenny loved life. It is a sad day for all Raiders.”
After retirement, Stabler worked in broadcasting with CBS Sports and on radio for Alabama football games.
Stabler’s family released this statement following his passing:
We announce with great sadness that our father, Ken Stabler, passed away Wednesday, July 8 as a result of complications associated with colon cancer.
He passed peacefully surrounded by the people he loved most, including his three daughters and longtime partner, as some of his favorite songs played in the background, such as Lynyrd Skynyrd’s “Sweet Home Alabama” and Van Morrison’s “Leaves Falling Down.”
He quietly battled Stage 4 colon cancer since being diagnosed in February 2015.
He wanted to make a difference in the lives of others in both life and death. At his request, his brain and spinal cord were donated to Boston University’s Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy Center to support research for degenerative brain disease in athletes.
He was a kind, generous and unselfish man, never turning down an autograph request or an opportunity to help someone in need. A great quarterback, he was an even greater father to his three girls and grandfather to his two “grand snakes.”
We are grateful for the tremendous love and support from friends and fans. We ask that you please respect our privacy during this difficult time as we grieve this heartbreaking loss.
Funeral arrangements are pending. In lieu of flowers, we ask that donations be made to the XOXO Stabler Foundation to support research of colon cancer and sports-related head trauma. More information will be available on Ken Stabler’sFacebook fan page and the XOXO Stabler Foundation.
He is survived by his three daughters Kendra Stabler Moyes (husband, Scott), Alexa (fiancé, Hunter Adams) and Marissa; his grandsons Jack and Justin Moyes; sister Carolyn Bishop; nephew Scott Bishop; and great nephew and niece Tayler and Payton Bishop. He is preceded in death by his father, Leroy Stabler, and mother, Sally Stabler.
