Former Raiders quarterback Kenny ‘the snake’ Stabler past away today at the age of 69. The snake died due to his complication with colon cancer. His former team and family confirmed Stabler’s death with great sorrow as Raiders owner Mark Davis, former head coach John Madden, and his family recently released a statement.
Statement from Raiders owner Mark Davis:
“The Raiders are deeply saddened by the passing of the great Ken Stabler,” said Owner Mark Davis. “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.”
Statement from John Madden:
“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.”
Family’s Statement on the Passing of Ken Stabler:
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’s Facebook 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.
Madden called Stabler ‘the perfect Raider’. His hard nosed tough play lead the Silver and Black it’s first ever Superbowl in 1977. Stabler was also the NFL’s MVP in 1974 as he was regarded for one of the most accurate passers in NFL history. Stabler’s passing ability was the heart and sole of the team as the Raider way was to ground and pound the rushing game while stretching defenses vertically in the passing game. A receiving core surrounded by hall of fame receiver Fred Belitnikoff and hall of fame tight end Casper Wells made the Silver and Black one of the best teams of the 70’s.
Stabler was also known for being a diva off the field. Stabler was also a hit with the ladies as he grew affection from female fans that otherwise wouldn’t watch football. Hall of Fame guard Gene Upshaw may have described Stabler’s play the best.
“When we were behind in the fourth quarter, with our backs to our end zone, no matter how he had played up to that point, we could look in his eyes and you knew, you knew, he was going to win it for us. That was an amazing feeling.”
The snake was apart of some of the most memorable moments in NFL history including the “The Holy Roller,” “Ghost to the Post,” and the “Sea of Hands.” He was also robbed of another Superbowl crown by a controversial call during the “Immaculate Reception”. Take a look back at some of Stabler’s most memorable moments as we wish the Stabler family and the entire Raiders organization our deepest sorrow.
