The NFL has mourned the loss of Oakland Raiders great Kenny Stabler this past week, sharing stories and reminiscing on some of the most historic games and plays in the NFL. Stabler’s passing came unexpectedly to his former coaches, teammates, and peers, but one thing is universal, they all have the utmost love and respect for the one and only Ken “The Snake” Stabler.
Following the news of his death, NFL Network dedicated an entire day to Stabler and the Raiders, airing some of the league’s most iconic games featuring the Snake and the Raiders of the 1970’s. Some of Friday’s programs included “The Sea of Hands,” “Ghost to the Post,” “Top 10 Raiders,” “Top 10 Quarterbacks of the 70’s,” as well as the “Top 10 players to wear #12.”
The Snake was an icon in the NFL and one of the best quarterbacks to ever wear the silver and black.
Current Raiders players, as well as several teams around the league took to social media to express their condolences and reflect on the great legacy Stabler leaves behind. Media personalities as well as Raiders rivals tweeted their respects.
Current and former Raiders players were also affected by the Snake’s passing.
One of the most emotional farewells came from Stabler’s former head coach, the great John Madden who spoke to the media via conference call last week. Via the Oakland Raiders, in Madden’s opening statement reflecting on the life of Ken Stabler, the Hall of Fame coach stated: “Yesterday was a very sad day with the passing of Ken Stabler. It was a shock to all of us. You think that Kenny is one of those guys that whatever you throw in front of him, it’s not going to get him down. Then, when you hear Kenny Stabler died, it’s like a kick in the gut. You think of the good times and the memories, all of the games and all of the practices and all of the meetings. No matter what you throw in front of him, he enjoyed it. He always had a twinkle in his eye and a smile. He was one of the greatest competitors ever. When you think of the Raiders and you think of the Raiders of the 70s, Ken Stabler has to be right on top. He was just, of all the people you coach, and I coached a lot of great ones and a lot of Hall of Famers, he’s one of the guys that is really at the top of the class.”
Madden had a lot to say about Stabler and his amazing play throughout the 70’s, including how he had confidence in the Snake in some of the most crucial situations and plays as well as how “cool” Stabler was in those types of settings. Not to mention, his nickname was “The Snake” and it just doesn’t get any cooler than that.
Madden also stated, “When you think about the Raiders, you think about Ken Stabler.” Stabler was the ultimate Raider in every way. His character, his antics, and his play personified what it means to be an Oakland Raider.
It's been a sad week for Raider Nation, as well as the NFL community as a whole. Stabler passed at only 69-years-old, but he will be remembered forever as his legacy lives on. The Snake was a true compeitor, and a fantastic quarterback. He will forever be an icon in this league and one of the best to play the game.