Ken Stabler, Legendary Raiders QB, Dies At 69
Legendary University of Alabama and NFL quarterback Ken Stabler has passed away at the age of 69, according to the Tuscaloosa News.
Stabler was born on Christmas of 1945 in Foley, Alabama, giving his parents, Sally and Leroy, a pleasant Christmas Day surprise. Ken grew up to play multiple sports at Foley High School, but Stabler excelled at football the most. When playing in high school, Stabler earned the nickname “The Snake” for his ability to maneuver through defenses.
Ken Stabler once came to my hometown, took everybody out to the bar, told us "drinks are on me," then skipped out on the check. RIP Snake
— Timothy Burke (@bubbaprog) July 9, 2015
Ken Stabler was heavily recruited by legendary Alabama coach Paul “Bear” Bryant and enrolled at the school in 1964. During his freshman season, Stabler watched as Joe Namath led the Crimson Tide to a national championship. In his sophomore season, Ken split reps with fellow quarterback Steve Sloan, together they led the team to back-to-back national titles with a defeat on Nebraska in the Orange Bowl.
In his junior season, Stabler was the sole quarterback and helped lead his team to an 11-0 record and yet another victory over Nebraska, this time in the Sugar Bowl. But the team finished third in the polls, unable to continue their reign as champions.
How to remember Kenny Stabler. RIP. #Raiders pic.twitter.com/8HIBbV3kzc
— Mark Kriegel (@MarkKriegel) July 9, 2015
His senior season could be considered mediocre compared to his other playing years. Alabama finished with an 8-2-1 record, but most memorable was a play made by Stabler in the Iron Bowl (annual game against Auburn). The play is known as “The Run in the Mud.” The game took place in a rainstorm that year and Alabama was down by a field goal, but Stabler was able to scramble his way into the end zone to seal a 7-3 victory.
Stabler was a team captain in his final season at Alabama, along with teammate Bobby Johns, and Ken earned All-SEC and All-America honors.
The Crimson Tide gunslinger was drafted in the second round of the 1968 NFL Draft to the Oakland Raiders. He was immediately surrounded by great talent to receive his catches, with Dave Casper, Fred Biletnikoff, and Cliff Branch. Stabler quarterbacked the Raiders to victory in Super Bowl XI, where they defeated the Vikings.
So sorry to hear about the passing of a true Raider legend Ken Stabler, the original #12. It was a pleasure to know him and wear his number!
— Rich Gannon (@RichGannon12) July 9, 2015
Stabler was named the AFC Player of the Year in 1974 and 1976, and the MVP in 1974 as well. He also earned three pro bowl nods (1974, 1976-77).
Former NFL QB Ken Stabler has died.
Stabler threw for nearly 28,000 yards and was NFL MVP for the Raiders in 1974
— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) July 10, 2015
The Raiders traded Stabler in 1980 to the then-Houston Oilers, where he played for one season, before being moved to the New Orleans Saints. Overall, in 184 games, Stabler finished his NFL career with 27,938 yards and 194 touchdowns on 2,270-3,793 passing.
Just heard the news about Ken Stabler. So sad. I grew up on The Snake. Was a pleasure watching him play. #RIP
— Jim Trotter (@JimTrotter_NFL) July 10, 2015
Ken Stabler will be in the hearts of all NFL fans, and our condolences go out to his friends and family. May he rest in peace.
Madden: "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." #RIPSnake
— Vic Tafur (@VicTafur) July 10, 2015
[Image Source: Alvin Chung/Getty Images]
