Honoring NFL Legend Ken Stabler

Former Oakland Raiders quarterback Ken Stabler passed away Wednesday at the age of 69 after a courageous fight with cancer.
 

Stabler was drafted by the Raiders in the second round of the 1968 NFL Draft and guided the franchise to great success during his years as their quarterback (1970-79). He had one of his best seasons in 1976 when he led the team to a victory in Super Bowl XI while losing one game during that season. Only six franchises since the AFL-NFL merger (and fifth since the league adopted a 16-game schedule in 1978) have finished the year with only one mark in the loss column.

"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. 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 than 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,” said Gold Jacket John Madden.

Known for being one of the greatest left-handed quarterbacks, “The Snake” finished his career with 3,793 completions for 27,938 yards and 222 touchdowns. He led the league twice in completion percentage and touchdowns. Stabler also at one time held the record for fastest quarterback to win 100 games (150 total games).

Stabler was a part of three famous plays in NFL history that forever changed the rules of football -  “The Holy Roller,” “Ghost to the Post” and “Sea of Hands.”






Stabler had a brief stint with the Houston Oilers (1980-81) and then finished his career with the New Orleans Saints (1982-84). He played for Hall of Fame owner and Raiders founder Al Davis and Gold Jacket John Madden. He played with Hall of Famers Elvin Bethea, Curley Culp, Fred Biletnkioff, George Blanda, Willie Brown, Dave Casper, Earl Campbell, Ray Guy, Ted Hendricks, Rickey Jackson, Jim Otto, Art Shell and Gene Upshaw.

 

 

"I had the pleasure of producing Ken Stabler for one year as a football analyst for CBS sports in 1992. As legendary as he was on the field, he was the same off the field,” said Pro Football Hall of Fame Executive Vice President, CRO and Executive Producer George Veras. “He was warm, gregarious and generous to a fault - always with a smile and quip. I can honestly say that I never had more fun week to week with anybody than Ken Stabler. Keep smiling Kenny we miss you."

Reactions from Gold Jackets:

 

 

 

 

Goodbye and God bless Kenny Stabler! RIP OL' friend

— Jack Youngblood (@theblood85) July 10, 2015

 

 

 

Sorry to hear the news of the passing of #KenStabler I always enjoyed being in his company. Thoughts and prayers to his family. #Raiders

— Eric Dickerson (@EricDickerson) July 10, 2015

 

 

Sorry to hear about the lost of The Snake! May God rest his soul!

— Tim Brown (@81TimBrown) July 10, 2015

 

 

Ken Stabler turned an entire generation of fans onto pro football with his thrilling play & improbable victories. #RaiderNation will miss u

— Mike Haynes (@MikeHaynesNFL) July 10, 2015

 

 

Ken"The Snake" Stabler RIP!

— Jerry Rice (@JerryRice) July 10, 2015

 

 

Was shocked to learn of Kenny Stabler's passing last night. Thoughts and prayers are w the family. #RIPSnake

— Troy Aikman (@TroyAikman) July 10, 2015