By Darin Born on Christmas Day in Foley, Alabama, Ken Stabler delivered gifts to Raiders fans for a decade. Nicknamed “The Snake,” Stabler was the rebellious, left-handed leader who embodied the spirit of the 1970s Silver and Black, carving out a Hall of Fame career after making history with the Alabama Crimson Tide. Discover the key moments that defined his legendary journey, from the iconic “Run in the Mud” to leading the Oakland Raiders to their first Super Bowl victory.
Football Bio
December 25, 1945 – Foley, Alabama – The Crimson Tide’s legendary quarterback Ken Stabler was born. Ken performed one of the most memorable plays in Alabama football history when he ran the famous “Run in the Mud” against Auburn in the 1967 Iron Bowl. The “Snake,” as he was called, was drafted by the Oakland Raiders in the second round of the 1968 NFL Draft and played 15 seasons in the League. Besides the Raiders, Ken also spent time on the rosters of the New Orleans Saints and the Houston Oilers. He is best known as the leader of the Silver and Black offenses of the 1970’s, especially in Super Bowl XI. There, the Raiders took apart the Minnesota Vikings 32-14 on timely passing by Stabler, who went 12 of 19 on the day with 180 yards to keep the Purple People Eaters Defense on their heels. For his career, Stabler had a 0.661 winning percentage as a starter. He threw 194 TD passes for well over 27,000 career yards and led his team to five straight Conference Championship Games. The Pro Football Hall of Fame enshrined Ken Stabler in 2016.
Conclusion:
From his roots in Alabama, where the “Run in the Mud” became a cultural legend, to his 15-season run in the NFL, Ken Stabler defined a generation of football. His leadership in Oakland forged the identity of the “Silver and Black,” culminating in a dominant performance in Super Bowl XI. With a stellar career winning percentage, impressive yardage, and the distinct honor of leading his team to five consecutive Conference Championship games, Stabler’s 2016 Pro Football Hall of Fame induction solidified his place as one of the game’s iconic, tough, and charismatic quarterbacks.
Verified List of Accolades and Football Accomplishments:
- Executed the famous “Run in the Mud” against Auburn in the 1967 Iron Bowl.
- Drafted by the Oakland Raiders in the second round of the 1968 NFL Draft.
- Played 15 seasons in the NFL (Raiders, Saints, Oilers).
- Led the Oakland Raiders’ offense to victory in Super Bowl XI (32-14 vs. Minnesota Vikings).
- Super Bowl XI Performance: 12 completions on 19 attempts for 180 yards.
- Career Starter Winning Percentage: 0.661.
- Career Statistics: 194 Touchdown Passes and over 27,000 career yards.
- Led his team to five straight Conference Championship Games.
- Pro Football Hall of Fame Inductee (Class of 2016).
