His death was confirmed by Fox
WBRC, via a University of Alabama spokesman, and through a
statement from Stabler's family that said he died of colon cancer.
"He passed peacefully surrounded
by the people he loved most, including his three daughters and longtime
partner, as some of his favorite songs played in the background, such
as Lynyrd Skynyrd's 'Sweet Home Alabama' and Van Morrison's 'Leaves
Falling Down.'"
A native of Foley, Ala., Stabler
played collegiately under legendary head coach Paul “Bear” Bryant at the
University of Alabama. He led the Crimson Tide to an undefeated season
in 1966 was an All-American in 1967.
After his time at Alabama ended,
the Raiders selected Stabler in the second round of the 1968 draft. He
played in Oakland for 10 seasons and led the team to a Super Bowl XI
victory against the
Minnesota Vikings in 1977.
During his time in Oakland,
Stabler, nicknamed “The Snake,” was a four-time Pro Bowl selection and
was named the NFL’s Most Valuable Player in 1974, when he led the league
in touchdown passes with 26.
Prior to the 1980 season, Stabler
was traded to the Houston Oilers, where he played for two seasons
before finishing his NFL career for three seasons with the
New Orleans Saints from 1982-84.
In his professional career, Stabler threw for 27,938 yards, 194 touchdowns and 222 interceptions.
After Stabler retired from the
NFL, he worked as a color commentator for CBS’ NFL telecasts and also
called Alabama games on the radio until 2009.
