Former Crimson Tide football player Ken Stabler died Wednesday night. His death comes as a result of complications from stage 4 colon cancer, which he has battled quietly since February 2015, according to a statement from Stabler’s family.
“He was a kind, generous and unselfish man, never turning down an autograph request or an opportunity to help someone in need,” the family said. “A great quarterback, he was an even greater father to his three girls and grandfather to his two ‘grand snakes.'”
Stabler played quarterback at The University of Alabama in ’66 an ’67 under coach Paul “Bear” Bryant and finished with a 28-3-2 record as a starter before being drafted in the second round of the 1968 NFL Draft by the Oakland Raiders, whom he led to their first Super Bowl win in 1977. Following his retirement from professional football, he served as a commentator for CBS as well as for Alabama football radio with Eli Gold until 2008.
“While there have been many outstanding players in our great football history at Alabama, I think it’s safe to say that few – if any – connected with our fans in the way that Kenny did,” Alabama Athletics Director Bill Battle said in a statement.
Stabler’s desire to help others will continue on after his death. He requested for his brain and spinal cord to be donated to Boston University’s Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy Center to support research for degenerative brain disease in athletes, according to the family’s statement.
“I have had the chance to be around some of the best to ever play college and pro football, and Kenny may have been one of the greatest competitors to ever play the game,” Alabama coach Nick Saban said in a statement. “I was lucky enough to work with him on our radio broadcast my first year in Tuscaloosa and also have some special memories with him at a couple of our golf events.
“He was not only an outstanding football player, he was an all-around great guy and someone I really enjoyed spending time with. We lost a legend today and our thoughts and prayers go out to his family.”
Stabler is survived by his three daughters, two grand sons, great nephew and niece. Funeral arrangements are pending, and in lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the XOXO Stabler Foundation to support research of colon cancer and sports-related head injuries.
