Oakland Raiders star quarterback Kenny Stabler dies at 69, University of

Ex- University of Alabama standout Kenny Stabler has passed away at the age of 69.

After beginning his college career as a backup to Joe Namath, Stabler became the starter for Bear Bryant’s Alabama team in 1966 and led the Crimson Tide to an 11-0 season. He played in Oakland for 10 seasons and led the team to a Super Bowl XI victory against the Minnesota Vikings in 1977. And the Sea of Hands was the most famous of Stabler’s touchdown passes, a lob into the end zone that Oakland’s Clarence Davis somehow caught in the end zone while surrounded by three Dolphins defenders, winning a playoff game for the Raiders. The family posted a statement Facebook saying he died of “complications associated with colon cancer”. He had been diagnosed with stage four colon cancer in February. 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. “We regret the error and any emotional distress caused to Stabler’s family, friends and fans”.

Then everyone backed off. Now, two Alabama TV stations are confirming the death, one which is quoting Stabler’s ex-wife, Rose Stabler. The XOXO Stabler Foundation supports research of colon cancer and sports-related head trauma. “The thoughts and prayers of all of us in the Alabama Family are with Kenny, his family, and all who knew and loved him”, said Bill Battle, director of athletics at the University of Alabama.

Following his 15-year pro football career, Stabler was a color commentator for CBS NFL broadcasts and later a radio analyst for Alambama football games.