Zoneboy
07-09-2015, 08:22 PM
Link (http://www.latimes.com/sports/sportsnow/la-sp-sn-kenny-stabler-obit-20150709-story.html)
Ken Stabler, among the greatest quarterbacks in Oakland Raiders history, died Thursday of complications from colon cancer. He was 69..
Stabler’s family confirmed his death in a Facebook post.
"He passed peacefully surrounded by the people he loved most,” the statement read, “including his three daughters and longtime partner, as some of his favorite songs played in the background, such as Lynard Skynard’s 'Sweet Home Alabama’ and Van Morrison’s 'Leaves Falling Down.'"
Stabler, a former Alabama standout nicknamed "The Snake" for his elusiveness on the field, played for the Raiders from 1970-79, the Houston Oilers from 1980-81, and the New Orleans Saints from 1982-84.
He was AFC player of the year in 1974 and 1976, leading the NFL in passing in the latter season. He also led the Raiders to the first of their three Super Bowl victories.
"He was such a big part of the great Raider success," Hall of Fame coach John Madden told The Times by phone Thursday, his voice cracking with emotion. "It’s just a shock. You think of all the good times, all the games, all the drives, and how when everything else was the hottest in the heat of the game, he’d be the coolest."
Raiders owner Mark Davis issued a statement Thursday evening.
"The Raiders are deeply saddened by the passing of the great Ken Stabler," Davis' statement read. "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."
Ken Stabler, among the greatest quarterbacks in Oakland Raiders history, died Thursday of complications from colon cancer. He was 69..
Stabler’s family confirmed his death in a Facebook post.
"He passed peacefully surrounded by the people he loved most,” the statement read, “including his three daughters and longtime partner, as some of his favorite songs played in the background, such as Lynard Skynard’s 'Sweet Home Alabama’ and Van Morrison’s 'Leaves Falling Down.'"
Stabler, a former Alabama standout nicknamed "The Snake" for his elusiveness on the field, played for the Raiders from 1970-79, the Houston Oilers from 1980-81, and the New Orleans Saints from 1982-84.
He was AFC player of the year in 1974 and 1976, leading the NFL in passing in the latter season. He also led the Raiders to the first of their three Super Bowl victories.
"He was such a big part of the great Raider success," Hall of Fame coach John Madden told The Times by phone Thursday, his voice cracking with emotion. "It’s just a shock. You think of all the good times, all the games, all the drives, and how when everything else was the hottest in the heat of the game, he’d be the coolest."
Raiders owner Mark Davis issued a statement Thursday evening.
"The Raiders are deeply saddened by the passing of the great Ken Stabler," Davis' statement read. "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."