Ken Stabler, Raiders legend, dead at age 69
Longtime Oakland Raiders quarterback Ken Stabler died Thursday in Gulfport, Miss., according to WPMI. He was 69 years old.
His death was confirmed by Fox WBRC, via a University of Alabama spokesman, and through a statement from Stabler's family that said he died of 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.'"
A native of Foley, Ala., Stabler played collegiately under legendary head coach Paul “Bear” Bryant at the University of Alabama. He led the Crimson Tide to an undefeated season in 1966 and was an All-American in 1967.
After his time at Alabama ended, the Raiders selected Stabler in the second round of the 1968 draft. He played in Oakland for 10 seasons and led the team to a Super Bowl XI victory against the Minnesota Vikings in 1977.
During his time in Oakland, Stabler, nicknamed “The Snake,” was a four-time Pro Bowl selection and was named the NFL’s Most Valuable Player in 1974, when he led the league in touchdown passes with 26.
Statements on the passing of Ken Stabler: http://t.co/dAlQUqV2hk pic.twitter.com/6OpFWbN0ja
— OAKLAND RAIDERS (@RAIDERS) July 10, 2015
Prior to the 1980 season, Stabler was traded to the Houston Oilers, where he played for two seasons before finishing his NFL career for three seasons with the New Orleans Saints from 1982-84.
In his professional career, Stabler threw for 27,938 yards, 194 touchdowns and 222 interceptions.
After Stabler retired from the NFL, he worked as a color commentator for CBS’ NFL telecasts and also called Alabama games on the radio until 2009.
His Hall of Fame coach John Madden issued a statement mourning the Raiders quarterback.
“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," Madden said. "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."
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Sam Cooper is a contributor for the Yahoo Sports blogs. Have a tip? Email him or follow him on Twitter!