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Since the tragic news of the passing of Raiders great, Ken Stabler, the NFL world has been in a constant state of nostalgia at the legend of "The Snake". It began with a statement from his family.Stabler family
We announce with great sadness that our father, Ken Stabler, passed away Wednesday, July 8 as a result of complications associated with 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."
He quietly battled Stage 4 colon cancer since being diagnosed in February 2015.
He wanted to make a difference in the lives of others in both life and death. At his request, his brain and spinal cord were donated to Boston University's Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy Center to support research for degenerative brain disease in athletes.
He was a kind, generous and unselfish man, never turning down an autograph request or an opportunity to help someone in need. A great quarterback, he was an even greater father to his three girls and grandfather to his two "grand snakes."
We are grateful for the tremendous love and support from friends and fans. We ask that you please respect our privacy during this difficult time as we grieve this heartbreaking loss.
Funeral Arrangements are pending. In lieu of flowers, we ask that donations be made to the XOXO Stabler Foundation to support research of colon cancer and sports-‐related head trauma. More Information will be available on Ken Stabler's Facebook Fan page and the XOXO Stabler Foundation.
He is survived by his three daughters Kendra Stabler Moyes (husband, Scott), Alexa (fiancé, Hunter Adams) and Marissa; His grandsons Jack And Justin Moyes; Sister Carolyn Bishop; Nephew Scott Bishop; and great nephew and niece Tayler and Payton Bishop. He is preceded in death by his father, Leroy Stabler, and mother, Sally Stabler.
Raiders owner Mark Davis:
"The Raiders are deeply saddened by the passing of the great Ken Stabler. He was a cherished member of the Raider family and personified what it means to be a Raider. He wore the Silver and Black with Pride and Poise and will continue to live in the hearts of Raider fans everywhere. Our sincerest thoughts and prayers go out to Kenny's family."
Former Raiders head coach, John Madden
"I was head coach of the Raiders the entire time Kenny was there and he led us to a whole bunch of victories including one in Super Bowl XI. I've often said, If I had one drive to win a game to this day, and I had a quarterback to pick, I would pick Kenny. Snake was a lot cooler that I was. He was a perfect quarterback and a perfect Raider. When you think about the Raiders you think about Ken Stabler. Kenny loved life. It is a sad day for all Raiders."
The Raiders posted a pretty great slideshow of Ken Stabler that's worth a look:
Photos -- Remembering Ken Stabler: http://t.co/ZSoBkWddiG pic.twitter.com/ypJf7778X7
— OAKLAND RAIDERS (@RAIDERS) July 10, 2015
And the rest of the NFL world.
The Snake RT @edsbs: pic.twitter.com/a1uDPJeADe
— Chris B. Brown (@smartfootball) July 10, 2015
So sad. But so thankful I got to know Snake on the Bama beat. One of a kind RT @AroundTheNFL: Ken Stabler passed away http://t.co/IuTUzfwHZ9
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) July 10, 2015
Legendary QB, Kenny "The Snake" Stabler. 1945-2015 pic.twitter.com/OuyLkhNLcW
— NFL Network (@nflnetwork) July 10, 2015
Here are some #Stabler highlights. If you want, skip to 1:57 mark and hear what is said about him. #TheSnake https://t.co/kwvLEnKZh9
— CaptainTouchback (@CaptTouchback) July 10, 2015
Former Raiders QB Ken Stabler has died. Stabler threw the 1st OT TD pass in NFL postseason history (in 1977 against the Colts)
— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) July 10, 2015
Condolences to the #Raiders family on passing of iconic QB Kenny Stabler, who said he studied his playbook by light of a jukebox.
— Ed Werder (@Edwerderespn) July 10, 2015
The Sea of Hands, The Holy Roller, Ghost To The Post ... mannnnnn. #RIPSnake #GoodMemories
— Jim Trotter (@JimTrotter_NFL) July 10, 2015
Greatest QB to ever put on the Crimson and White uniform. I love you man and God and the heavens just got a Great Angel. RIP K.S #LEGEND
— AJ McCarron (@10AJMcCarron) July 10, 2015
RIP Ken Stabler, Raiders great and a true original. (Photo: James Drake/Sports Illustrated) pic.twitter.com/3KnsPiF3ga
— The MMQB (@theMMQB) July 10, 2015
RAIDER NATION SAY A PRAYER FOR THE FAMILY AND FRIENDS. .. https://t.co/bQqQiXKgYD
— Gorilla Rilla (@gorillarilla) July 10, 2015
I loved watching Ken Stabler play. He was a unique dude and one of the game's great characters. And a damn good quarterback. #RIPKenStabler
— Mike Greenberg (@Espngreeny) July 10, 2015
There has never been a more fascinating book about sports than Ken Stabler's autobiography "Snake." Do yourself a favor and read it. #RIP
— Mike Greenberg (@Espngreeny) July 10, 2015
It was Stabler's clutch wizardry that made a young #Raiders fan (ahem, me) wish he could throw left-handed. #RIP Snake.
— Monte Poole (@MontePooleCSN) July 10, 2015
@RAIDERS We'll always remember The Snake. #RIP #Respect #AFCWest pic.twitter.com/yStN7SuTCM
— Seattle Seahawks (@Seahawks) July 10, 2015
Our sympathies to the @RAIDERS & the Stabler family on the passing of QB Ken Stabler, a great AFC West rival. pic.twitter.com/kuKsDztpn9
— Denver Broncos (@Broncos) July 10, 2015
Another great Stabler run - this time from his Bama days. "Could watch that all day" http://t.co/WWBcIEAQOV (H/t @schexnayder)
— Chris B. Brown (@smartfootball) July 10, 2015
So sorry to hear about the passing of a true Raider legend Ken Stabler, the original #12. It was a pleasure to know him and wear his number!
— Rich Gannon (@RichGannon12) July 9, 2015
Rest in Peace, Snake. You will be missed.
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