Former NFL quarterback Ken Stabler passed away Wednesday as a result of complications associated with colon cancer.
Stabler, who was 69, battled Stage 4 colon cancer since being diagnosed in February 2015, according to a statement from his family.
"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,'" the family statement said.
Nicknamed "The Snake" for a long touchdown run during his high school career, Stabler played college ball for Alabama and was a second-round draft pick of the Oakland Raiders in 1968. He played a total of 15 seasons in the NFL, the first 10 with Oakland (1970-79), two with Houston (1980-81) and three with New Orleans (1982-84).
"The Raiders are deeply saddened by the passing of the great Ken Stabler," Raiders owner Mark Davis said in a statement. "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."
A four-time Pro Bowl selection, Stabler was named the 1974 NFL MVP. He led the Raiders to the title in Super Bowl XI, a 32-14 triumph over Minnesota on Jan. 9, 1977.
"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 John Madden, who coached Stabler for the first nine years (1970-78) the QB was with the Raiders. "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."
During his career, Stabler completed 59.8 percent of his passes for 27,938 yards and 194 touchdowns against 222 interceptions. He was a Hall of Fame finalist in 1990, 1991, and 2003.
Stabler's family said he requested to have his brain and spinal cord 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.'" according to a statement from Stabler's family.
Stabler, who was 69, battled Stage 4 colon cancer since being diagnosed in February 2015, according to a statement from his family.
"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,'" the family statement said.
Nicknamed "The Snake" for a long touchdown run during his high school career, Stabler played college ball for Alabama and was a second-round draft pick of the Oakland Raiders in 1968. He played a total of 15 seasons in the NFL, the first 10 with Oakland (1970-79), two with Houston (1980-81) and three with New Orleans (1982-84).
"The Raiders are deeply saddened by the passing of the great Ken Stabler," Raiders owner Mark Davis said in a statement. "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."
A four-time Pro Bowl selection, Stabler was named the 1974 NFL MVP. He led the Raiders to the title in Super Bowl XI, a 32-14 triumph over Minnesota on Jan. 9, 1977.
"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 John Madden, who coached Stabler for the first nine years (1970-78) the QB was with the Raiders. "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."
During his career, Stabler completed 59.8 percent of his passes for 27,938 yards and 194 touchdowns against 222 interceptions. He was a Hall of Fame finalist in 1990, 1991, and 2003.
Stabler's family said he requested to have his brain and spinal cord 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.'" according to a statement from Stabler's family.
