I hate the start this off on a sad note but many Tide fans are in mourning this morning including me.
Raiders, Alabama legend Ken Stabler dies at 69
Sporting News
Troy Machir, Sporting News15 hrs ago
Ken "The Snake" Stabler, who starred at Alabama before becoming a Super Bowl-winning quarterback with the Raiders, has died after a brief battle with colon cancer. He was 69.Stabler’s family said in a Facebook post Thursday evening that Stabler died Wednesday at home surrounded by loved ones. The family said Stabler was diagnosed with Stage 4 cancer in February.
Stabler was recruited to Alabama by legendary coach Bear Bryant, but because of NCAA rules at the time, he was barred from playing as a freshman and sat out the 1964 season. He watched Joe Namath lead the team to a national championship.
Two years later, Stabler led the Crimson Tide to an 11-0 season, which culminated in a 34-7 victory over Nebraska in the Sugar Bowl.
"I am sad to hear of the death of Ken Stabler. He was an Alabama man through and through, thoughts and prayers with him," Alabama athletic director Bill Battle said in a statement.
Stabler went on to have an even more successful NFL career. In 1974, four seasons after being drafted by the Raiders, he was named NFL MVP. Two years later, he led them to Super Bowl XI and guided them to a 32-14 win over the Vikings.
During his nine-year career with the Raiders, Stabler made four Pro Bowls and three All-Pro teams. He was the fastest to win 100 games as a starting quarterback in NFL history, doing so in just 150 games.
Following a subpar 1979 season, Stabler was traded to the Houston Oilers. After just one season with the Oilers, he moved on to the Saints where he finished his career in 1984.
Despite his on-field accomplishments, Stabler has yet to be enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
Following his playing career, he served as a broadcaster for NFL games on CBS before serving as the radio analyst for Alabama Football for 11 years.
Surviving are his ex-wife, Rose; three daughters, Kendra Stabler Moyes, Alexa Stabler and Marissa Stabler; a sister, Carolyn Bishop; and two grandsons.
The family said funeral arrangements are pending.
Sporting News Media’s Tom Gatto contributed to this report.