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It is a sad day in the world of football, as we have learned of the passing of Kenny Stabler. The Alabama Crimson Tide and Oakland Raider quarterback, “passed peacefully, surrounded by the people he loved most…as some his favorite songs played in the background, such as Lynyrd Skynyrd’s ‘Sweet Home Alabama,’ ” according to a statement from the family. Stabler was 69, and had learned of his stage four colon cancer in February of this year.
Like any other kid that grew up in the south, I always heard the stories of “The Snake”. Alongside Joe Namath, Stabler is one of the most revered names to put on that crimson uniform. A gunslinger with a strong arm, Stabler was under center during the legendary tenure of Paul “Bear” Bryant at the helm of Alabama football. This dominant era was highlighted by colorful personalities like Stabler, who weaved their way into the legend that is the 1960’s-70’s run of Crimson Tide football.
Being on the other side of the Iron Bowl rivalry as an Auburn fan, I am still deeply saddened by the passing of Stabler. This speaks to the incredible impact he made on the game of football in this state. The biggest moment of his college career, and also one of the greatest Iron Bowl moments of all time, came in the 1967 edition of the game. Trailing 3-0 in a defensive battle, Alabama was running out of chances. It was a torrential downpour, and the playing surface has been turned into a 100-yard long mud pile. From his own 47, Stabler kept the ball on an option and weaved through defenders, going all way to the endzone in what is famously known as the “Run in the Mud”.
We who are so embroiled in that rivalry forget that Stabler went on to have an outstanding NFL career. More than in his Alabama days, he was a gunslinger and a risk-taker. His interception numbers were always high, but that mentality is what made him so fun to watch. As was the case for him in college, he was also under the tutelage of an all-time great coach as a pro; this time it was the great John Madden. Also similar to his days in Tuscaloosa, Stabler was also part of a legendary play, but in this case he was on the sideline. He could only watch as the ball was tipped and caught by Franco Harris in “The Immaculate Reception”.
Stabler led the Raiders to a Super Bowl victory in 1977, with a 32-14 over the Minnesota Vikings. They would not have been there, however, if not for yet another historic play. Stabler’s pass to Dave Casper late in the fourth quarter of the AFC Championship, dubbed “Ghost to the Post”, sent the game into overtime, and the Raiders would go on to win.
Stabler was very charitable. His XOXO Stabler Foundation raised money for various charitable causes. Even in death, he cared about helping others. He donated his spinal cord and brain to Boston University’s Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy Center for research for degenerative brain disease in athletes.
This is a time of great mourning, but also great celebration of the life and career of “The Snake” Kenny Stabler. His illustrious career spanned most of two decades, and we are left with numerous great memories and recollections. It is a sad, but necessary fact of life that we must always say goodbye.
Rest in peace, Kenny Stabler, and Roll Tide.
