http://www.mercurynews.com/raiders/ci_28460648/raiders-legend-ken-stabler-dead-at-69 Report of Raiders legend Ken Stabler's death retracted From staff reports POSTED: 07/09/2015 03:18:01 PM PDT3 COMMENTS| UPDATED: ABOUT 4 HOURS AGO A report Thursday afternoon that Raiders quarterback Ken Stabler had died was quickly retracted by the Alabama media outlet that had reported it. The Tuscaloosa News reported that Stabler had died at the age of 69, but within a few minutes, the site posted a note saying that it while reporting unconfirmed but persistent rumors of Stabler's passing, it had "inadvertently and briefly published an incomplete story that we were preparing in the event that the story was confirmed." "Unfortunately, other news outlets used social media to share the report," the note continued. "We regret the error and any emotional distress caused to Stabler's family, friends and fans." Stabler, a four-time Pro Bowl selection, led the Raiders to a Super Bowl championship in 1977. This newspaper was among those that had posted a story citing the Tuscaloosa News report of Stabler's death.
Uh Oh, this looks official, RIP Kenny Stabler... http://www.mercurynews.com/raiders/ci_28460648/raiders-legend-ken-stabler-dead-at-69 Mark Davis remembers Ken Stabler, Raider “personified” Posted by Mike Florio on July 9, 2015, 8:36 PM EDT Getty Images The Oakland Raiders have confirmed the death of quarterback Ken Stabler. The 69-year-old fought Stage 4 colon cancer since February. “The Raiders are deeply saddened by the passing of the great Ken Stabler,” owner Mark Davis said in a team-issued release. “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.” Stabler is survived by his three daughters and two grandchildren. We extend our condolences to Stabler’s family, friends, teammates, and coaches.
Man. I loved hearing stories of the Snake reading his playbook by the jukebox light. Amazing player. RIP Snake.
Great QB, good guy. I met him briefly at Mickey Gilley's club in Texas (made famous by "Urban Cowboy") while he was shooting pool. He was wearing a hand tooled belt with "Snake" on the back. I even (in an alcohol fueled moment of temporary insanity) asked him what was going on back home where someone had tried to set up a reporter who had been dogging Stabler about a lousy season on a drug charge. He just shook my hand and laughed it off saying he didn't know anything about what was happening. Neither one of us rode the bull.
While I'll agree he should be in the Hall of Fame--you realize he threw 28 MORE INTs than TDs, right? 194 TDs and 222 INTs? He had about the same amount of yards as Namath in 44 more games and 17 more starts? _
My favorite Stabler story, told by John Madden, concerned a legendary game against the Bert Jones led Baltimore Colts, in Baltimore. The teams were trading scores down the stretch, each score taking back the lead. I think it was for the winning score that before he went in, Madden said he was so nervous he was nearly having a fit. But Stabler just looked at him and all he said, looking around the stadium, was "These fans are really getting their money's worth." Then he went in and led the Raiders to the winning score. My second favorite concerned a game in Denver. Being on the road, he spent the night before in a hotel. But he also spent it with two hookers, and much booze, not any real sleep. Still he threw three touchdown passes to win the game. I don't say he's the greatest player ever or anything like that, but after Namath he's my next favorite NFL player all time. RIP, Kenny.
I agree with you, but this post confuses me. You ever see him play? And why him and not Namath? Makes no sense.
Stabler had one hell of a career, played in tons of famous games, prob more than any more QB. Man, I hate the Raiders - but Stabler was a baller. RIP - a young 69. And not Namath? They both deserve to be in.
Great and legendary article on Stabler in the off season from Sports Illustrated: http://www.si.com/nfl/2015/07/10/si-vault-ken-stabler-oakland-raiders I highly recommend reading it.
Stabler's issue with the Hall I think concerned his career numbers. The last five years he played, in Houston and then New Orleans, dragged down his averages. Even at the start of his career he mostly rode the bench, playing behind Darryl Lamonica. But from 73 to 79 he was on fire, and of five Qb's who won the SB in the seventies, he's the only one not in the Hall. NFL MVP in 74, Qb on a winning SB in 77. He imo would have won more titles but for the Steelers. In those days the Raiders and the Steelers were the class of the league, and no NFC team was on their level, so the Champ games between them set the winner of the Lombardi up.
You can't legitimately assert Stabler belongs in the Hall of Fame and Namath doesn't. Unless you just want to troll the board about Namath. _
