Kenny Stabler
The Snake who led the Raiders to their first Super Bowl victory.
Kenneth Michael Stabler (December 25, 1945 – July 8, 2015) was an American professional football quarterback who played in the National Football League (NFL) for 17 seasons, primarily with the Oakland Raiders. Nicknamed "Snake", he played college football for the Alabama Crimson Tide, earning first-team All-American honors in 1967. Stabler was selected by the Raiders in the second round of the 1968 AFL draft. During his 10 seasons in Oakland, Stabler was named Most Valuable Player in 1974 after leading the league in passer rating and touchdown passes. He also received four Pro Bowl selections and one first-team All-Pro selection while leading the league once in both touchdown passes and completion percentage and once in passer rating. His most successful season was in 1976 when he helped the Raiders win their first Super Bowl title in Super Bowl XI. He was posthumously inducted to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2016.
- Position
- Quarterback
- Franchise Tenure
- 1970-1979
- Pro Bowls
- 4 Selections (1973, 1974, 1976, 1977)
- Hall of Fame
- Inducted 2016
- Nickname
- The Snake
Lore & Background
Stabler earned his nickname "Snake" from his high school coach following a long, winding touchdown run. He was a highly touted football player at Foley High School in Foley, Alabama, leading Foley to a 29–1 record over his high school career. He also excelled in basketball and baseball, receiving minor-league contract offers from the Houston Astros and New York Yankees. In college at Alabama, he was recruited by head coach Bear Bryant. As a senior in 1967, he was briefly kicked off the team by Bryant for cutting class and partying but was given a second chance. He is remembered for the "Run in the Mud" in the Iron Bowl, a 47-yard game-winning touchdown against Auburn.
In Their Own Story
The stadium lights hummed above the Oakland Coliseum as the fourth quarter ticked down. Stabler adjusted his helmet, eyes scanning the field with a predator's focus. The defense rushed in, but he stood tall in the pocket, waiting for the perfect moment. With a subtle pump and a sharp release, the ball spiraled through the cold night air, finding its mark deep downfield.
Reader's Guide
Stabler made his first regular season appearance as a Raider in 1970. He took over as starter in 1973 after Daryle Lamonica failed to lead an offensive touchdown in the first three games. In 1974, he signed a multi-year contract to play for the Birmingham Americans of the World Football League beginning in 1976, but the WFL folded and he never played in it. He led the Raiders to victory in Super Bowl XI in January 1977. He was traded to the Houston Oilers in March 1980. He left as the Raiders' all-time leader in completions (1,486), passing yards (19,078), and touchdown passes (150).
Did You Know?
- Stabler was drafted to play baseball by the New York Yankees in 1966 and the Houston Astros in 1968, and also received an offer from the New York Mets in 1967.
- The play known as the "Holy Roller" in 1978 led to the Ken Stabler Rule, which permits only the fumbling player to recover the ball during a fourth down play or after the two-minute warning.
- Stabler's receiving corps in Oakland included three future Hall of Famers: Cliff Branch, Fred Biletnikoff, and Dave Casper.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Kenny Stabler?
Kenny Stabler served as the starting quarterback for the Oakland Raiders from 1970 to 1979. He is widely regarded as a central figure who defined the team's identity during their golden era of the 1970s.
What was Kenny Stabler's nickname?
He earned the moniker "The Snake" because of his cold-blooded composure on the field. This name highlighted his ability to remain icy under pressure while leading offensive drives.
How many Pro Bowls did he make with the Raiders?
Stabler received five Pro Bowl selections during his tenure in Oakland. These honors recognized his status as one of the league's elite passers throughout that decade.
When was Kenny Stabler inducted into the Hall of Fame?
His career achievements were officially cemented when he was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2016. This induction acknowledged his lasting impact on professional football history.
Why is Kenny Stabler important to Raiders fans?
He is a cornerstone of the Silver and Black legacy because his powerful arm helped establish the franchise as an offensive powerhouse. His leadership brought consistent playoff contention and established a standard for future quarterbacks.
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