http://www.al.com/alabamafootball/index.ssf/2015/07/ken_stabler_dies_alabama_football.html
Farewell to yet another of my childhood heroes, although "antihero" could be another description.
"Snake" was one of the best at every level. If you can find it, read his autobiography ("Snake"). He didn't hide or shy away from any subject.
At the University of Alabama, he majored in PE ... and flunked out. The star QB flunking out at PE? Well, it's not like he ever attended classes or anything. He was a hard partier even in those days.
So many stories about Ken Stabler! My favorite was the Corvette that he managed to buy as a junior. He had no money, but he wanted the car. He'd heard about former Bama QB, Joe Namath's lucrative gig in the NFL so he walked into the Chevy dealership and offered his potential future as a downpayment. "I knew I'd get the car because the salesman was wearing a "Roll Tide!" button".
He didn't have the car long at all before totaling it out on an AWOL trip back home to Foley, AL. Got the car repaired by again parlaying his future on a body shop owner.
He was one of the NFL's best QBs, but he could have easily played baseball in the Major Leagues. He was a cross town rival of Don Sutton who played over the state line in Pensacola, FL. According to most who were around, Stabler was a better pitcher than Sutton.
His days with the Oakland Raiders are historic and hysteric. How many players have you ever seen puffing on a Kool on the sidelines? Cool under pressure! Raider coach John Madden tells of the time in a OT game with all the chips on the line. He calls Stabler to the sideline for a chat - the entire stadium is just going wild. Madden himself was extremely tense. Stabler looks at the coach and then up at the crowd. "These folks are sure gettin' their money's worth, aint they coach?".
I had the pleasure of meeting him several times and he was as nice and down to earth guy as you'd ever hope to meet.
Stabler to Billetnikoff ... when the NFL was magic!
Farewell, Snake!
RIP Snake 🙁 🙁 🙁
for Snake and everyone else.
[Edited on 7/10/2015 by LeglizHemp]
I also recommend his book. I read it several times before all the pages fell out. Ken was a great storyteller who didn't hold much back. Some pretty wild and wooly tales for sure.
Great stories from his Bama years, Raiders and Oilers training camps and the seasons he played, recollections of teammates and coaches, his offseason routine, ect. Great chapter on his best friend, Randall Watson, who was killed in a speedboat race. John Matuszak got his own chapter. Funny, but also sadly prophetic.
I guess he the Tooz and Randall are hoisting one right now.
RIP, Kenny.
Well that just sucks.
Saw him play in Houston when I lived there.
What an incredible character he was. As an Auburn alum, while before my time I have unfortunately seen Stabler's amazing Run in the Mud from 67 against the Tigers several times.
Sports today doesn't have the characters like Stabler anymore.
Snake = GUILE, SKILL, AND CUNNING!
A funny memory: Kenny played Super Bowl XI with all the grace and poise that he was famous for. Then, after addressing reporters at the post-game press conference he klutzily knocked the microphone off of the podium. I believe he once told a state trooper who had pulled him over (he had couple of DUIs), that, "in "dog beers", I've only had two or three". A character and an athlete who will certainly be talked about for years and years.
His wife did weather at the TV station at which I worked here in Mobile. He would come in from time to time and I had a few impromptu conversations with him.
He was a real music fan and knowledgeable too.
Very nice nice guy ready with a smile and a handshake.
I saw him at the grocery store a short while before I moved to DC. Ready with the smile and handshake.
Kenny was the Pirate Raider for sure. 11 - 11 with the Saints to end his career.
Sympathies to the family.
[Edited on 7/10/2015 by aiq]
Always 1 of my favorite players. Loved the Raiders in the 70s. RIP.
