Ken Stabler, affectionately known as “The Snake,” remains one of the most charismatic and iconic quarterbacks in the history of American football. Wearing the black-and-silver No. 12 jersey of the Oakland Raiders, Stabler captivated fans with his fearless leadership, cool demeanor under pressure, and undeniable talent on the field. His journey from a standout college quarterback at Alabama to a Super Bowl champion and Hall of Famer is a story that continues to inspire generations of players and fans alike.
Born on December 25, 1945, in Foley, Alabama, Kenneth Michael Stabler developed a love for football early in life. He starred at the University of Alabama under the legendary coach Paul “Bear” Bryant, where he was known for his powerful left arm and poise in the pocket. Stabler’s college career reached a high point in 1967, when he led the Crimson Tide to an undefeated regular season and made headlines with his legendary “Run in the Mud” touchdown against Auburn.
In 1968, the Oakland Raiders selected Stabler in the second round of the NFL Draft. At first, he waited patiently behind veteran quarterbacks, but when his time came, Stabler seized the opportunity and never looked back. By the early 1970s, he had become the undisputed leader of the Raiders and the face of one of the most feared franchises in the league.
Stabler’s greatest moment came in the 1976 season, when he guided the Raiders to a 13-1 regular-season record and ultimately to their first Super Bowl title in franchise history. In Super Bowl XI, played on January 9, 1977, Stabler orchestrated a brilliant offensive performance against the Minnesota Vikings, leading the Raiders to a decisive 32-14 victory. It was a crowning achievement for the quarterback who had become synonymous with the team’s identity.
Known for his clutch performances and calm under fire, Stabler earned the NFL’s Most Valuable Player award in 1974. He had an uncanny ability to pull off dramatic comebacks, often in the most chaotic moments—earning the nickname “The Snake” not just for his quick thinking, but also for his elusive, serpentine style of play. Stabler’s signature moments include the legendary “Sea of Hands” game in 1974, when he threw a game-winning touchdown pass while being dragged to the ground by defenders.
Over his 15-season NFL career, which also included stints with the Houston Oilers and New Orleans Saints, Stabler passed for more than 27,000 yards and threw 194 touchdowns. But more than statistics, it was his flair, toughness, and leadership that defined his legacy.
Off the field, Stabler was just as captivating. Known for his laid-back personality, love of rock music, and colorful lifestyle, he became a symbol of 1970s football swagger. He wasn’t just a quarterback—he was a cultural icon, embodying the rebel spirit of the Raiders and capturing the imagination of a generation.
Sadly, Stabler passed away on July 8, 2015, at the age of 69, after a battle with colon cancer. Following his death, Boston University researchers confirmed that he had suffered from Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE), a degenerative brain disease linked to repeated head trauma—one of many former players diagnosed posthumously. The revelation added depth and urgency to the ongoing conversation about player safety in professional football.
Stabler’s posthumous diagnosis also sparked reflection on the sacrifices players of his era made in the name of the game they loved. His family made the courageous decision to donate his brain and spinal cord for research, hoping that his story might contribute to safer conditions for future generations of athletes.
In 2016, just a year after his passing, Ken Stabler was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame—an honor many believed was long overdue. In his acceptance speech, delivered by his grandsons, Stabler’s legacy was honored as a leader, a competitor, and a trailblazer who never lost his love for the game.
“Ken Stabler was the embodiment of the Oakland Raiders,” said Hall of Fame coach John Madden, who coached Stabler during his glory years. “He was tough, he was cool, he was smart, and he made everyone around him believe they could win.”
Today, Ken Stabler’s name lives on not only in the record books but in the memories of those who watched him light up the field and those who continue to study his impact. His No. 12 jersey remains a cherished symbol of Raiders pride, and his story continues to echo in the halls of football history.
In the annals of the NFL, there are many quarterbacks, but few like “The Snake”—a man who played with heart, led with swagger, and left behind a legacy as rich and complex as the game itself.
