Kenneth Michael Stabler

(Dec 25, 1945 - July 8, 2015)

Spokane Shockers - Quarterback

1968

Who doesn't know the name Kenny Stabler?  The Snake...the gun-slinging toughman persona of John Madden's Oakland Raiders.  Prior to the NFL fan-base getting to know Stabler, the fans of Spokane, Washington and the Continental Football League witnessed him in action for four games when he was signed November 6, 1968.  Billed as the "developmental team" of the Oakland Raiders, Stabler worked to improve a knee that was injured during is days at Alabama where he had a career record of 28-3-2 including an undefeated season in 1966.  Drafted #52 overall in 1968 he was relegated to taxi squad and backup duty before being sent to Spokane.

Unable to turn around the franchise in Spokane and the folding of both the franchise and the CFL, it wasn't until 1971 that Stabler saw increased action in 14 games and in 1973 grabbed the reigns of the Raiders and started a campaign as one of the most decorated QB's in the NFL.  A 4-time Pro Bowl Selection (1973, 74, 76, 77) and 1974 NFL MVP, Stabler was voted to the NFL 1970's All-Decade team and was twice the NFL leader in TD passes (1974, 76).  Holder of many Oakland Raider records, Kenny was inducted into the NFL Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2016.  Stabler won a Super Bowl Ring in 1976 tossing 4 passes for 79 yards to Super Bowl MVP Fred Biletnikoff.

Though his time in the minor league ranks was brief and his statistics less than eye-popping, it is a shining example of the grit and determination of a man willing to pay the dues to improve, persevere and eventually build a Hall of Fame career out of whatever cards are dealt.

Ken Stabler passed away July 8, 2015 of colon cancer at the age of 69.