The Raiders mourned the loss of Ken Stabler Thursday, a clutch and fun-loving left-handed quarterback who came to symbolize the franchise during the glory days of the 1970s.
Stabler, 69, died Wednesday from complications from colon cancer, according to a release from the family.
Unbeknownst to many of his former teammates, Stabler had been diagnosed with Stage 4 colon cancer in February.
Stabler “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, according to the release.
Nicknamed “The Snake” by a high school coach in Alabama after a long, winding touchdown run, Stabler played for the Raiders from 1970 through 1979 and led the franchise to its first Super Bowl championship following the 1976 season.