The Raiders family lost an icon with the passing of legendary quarterback Ken Stabler. "The Snake" led the Silver and Black to five straight AFC Championship game appearances from 1973-77 and a Super Bowl XI title after the 1976 season. His last-second heroics and impossible comebacks became the stuff of not only Raiders lore, but NFL history as well.
At halftime of the Oakland Raiders 2015 regular season opener, members of Stabler's family, numerous Raider legends including Hall of Fame Head Coach John Madden, and the assembled Raider Nation, paid tribute to the one and only Ken Stabler.
"He made such an impact on the Raider Nation, he is so beloved, the overwhelming love eases the pain in a way. You never replace him or imagine life without him but we have so many memories and thousands of people who revere what he did," said Kim Bush, Vice President Secretary/Treasurer of the XOXO Stabler Foundation.
Members of Stabler's family had the opportunity to light the torch in honor of Al Davis prior to kickoff. Stabler's daughter Alexa and Coach Madden gave emotional speeches, and Lynard Skynard appeared video message with special performance of Sweet Home Alabama.
Stabler was recently named as a Senior Committee finalist for consideration for induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
The Oakland Raiders paid tribute to the late Ken Stabler during halftime of their season opener.
