Celebrating The Life Of Kenny "The Snake" Stabler
He was a Christmas baby, born December 25, 1945. He passed away July 8, 2015 at the age of 69.
He is Kenneth Michael Stabler, known to family, friends, and fans as Ken or Snake. The legend died of complications from colon cancer.
Alabama Crimson Tide head football coach Nick Saban said in a statement:
"I think anyone who had the chance to get to know Kenny would appreciate the great person he was and the pride he had for the University of Alabama. I have had the chance to be around some of the best to ever play college and pro football, and Kenny may have been one of the greatest competitors to ever play the game.
I was lucky enough to work with him on our radio broadcast my first year in Tuscaloosa and also have some special memories with him at a couple of our golf events. He was not only an outstanding football player, he was an all-around great guy and someone I really enjoyed spending time with. We lost a legend today and our thoughts and prayers go out to his family."
Stabler played his high school ball at Foley High School, leading them to a 29-1 record during his high school career. The lone loss came at the hands of Vigor High School. Not only did Snake excel at football, but also showcased outstanding talent at two other sports. He averaged 29 points a game in basketball, and excelled as a left-handed pitcher in baseball, even receiving minor-league contract offers from the Houston Astros and New York Yankees. It was in high school where he earned his nick-name as "the Snake." He coach bestowed the name on him following a long, winding touchdown run. And it stuck.
Snake was recruited by legendary college football coach Paul "Bear" Bryant, and joined the Alabama Crimson Tide in 1964. It was in his junior year that he got his chance to shine, having sat out that first year and watching Joe Namath shine for the Tide. He served as backup for Steve Sloan in 1965.
He made the most of his opportunity in 1966, leading the Crimson Tide to an undefeated 11-0 season, which ended in a 34-7 rout of the Nebraska Cornhuskers in the Sugar Bowl. Bama finished third in the polls that year, behind Notre Dame and Michigan State.
Snake found himself in the Bear's doghouse during his senior season, being kicked off the team for awhile for cutting class and partying. The team finished the season at 8-2-1, but that year's Iron Bowl provided Stabler with one of his more memorable career moments. Bama trailed the Tigers 3-0 in a rain-deluged game, but then came the "Run in the Mud" as it came to be known. Stabler scampered 53 yards for the game winning touchdown, giving the Tide a 7-3 victory over their in-state rivals. Stabler finished his college career with a 28-3-2 record as a starter.
Stabler completed 180 passes on 303 attempts racking up 2,196 yards for a 59.4% average. He had 18 passing touchdowns and 18 interceptions. He posted 838 rushing yards on 265 attempts, averaging 3.2 yards and scored nine touchdowns.
In the NFL Stabler competed in 184 games, completing 2,270 passes on 3,793 attempts, for 27,938 yards, averaging 151.8 yards per game. He had 194 career passing touchdowns.
In announcing the passing of Kenny Stabler, his family issued this statement:
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.
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Is RB Najee Harris A Firm Commit To Bama?
Question. Can a prospect who has verbally committed to a college still be considered a commitment, much less a firm commitment if he makes the statement that he is still "open to everybody"?
According to AL.com, that's what five-star running back Alabama commit Najee Harris said in an interview on Wednesday. Sure, kids are kids. We've all seen kids continue to take visits at other schools even after a commitment has been made. It's just part of it. But few just up and say they're still open to everybody. Ergo, not an actual commitment.
Of course the nation's top 2017 running back may still wind up at the Capstone, and it should be stated here that he has not rescinded his "commitment", but I also wouldn't be surprised if he decided to go elsewhere. Doubtful, but wouldn't be surprised.
Remember, Harris committed while at the Alabama A-Day game. It was a time of festivities and fun, former players there, famous people there, and the home of the football team that holds the most national championships in the country at 15. So it's understandable that a kid can get caught up in all that.
Remember the old saying, "Don't count your chickens before they hatch?" That actually applies to all commits, but especially with one who is still "open to everybody."
Now, Harris has said he's not even focused on the recruiting aspect of things right now. He is focused on his training and getting better, especially out at The Opening out in Oregon where he is this week.
The 6' 1", 210-pounder out of Antioch, California has visits planned to Georgia and Ohio State this summer. But he has said he keeps the Bama coaching staff apprised of the schools in which he holds an interest, so there's no secrets there.
Wherever he ends up, it's still another two years...2017. A lot can happen. Hopefully he ends up at Alabama.
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A sixth football player from the University of Alabama has been named to a watch list. Sophomore punter J.K. Scott has been added to the Ray Guy Award watch list for the nation's best punter.
The other five Bama nominees are:
A'Shawn Robinson, defensive lineman (Chuck Bednarik Award for nation's top defensive player)
Reggie Ragland, linebacker (Chuck Bednarik Award for nation's top defensive player)
Ryan Kelley, center (award for nation's top center)
O.J. Howard, tight end (John Mackey Award for nations top tight end)
Derrick Henry, running back (Maxwell Award for nation's top player)
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Alabama-Auburn Face Off In Neutral-Site Gymnastics Meet
The Alabama Crimson Tide and Auburn Tigers will face off in a neutral-site gymnastics meet in 2016 for the second consecutive season. Being billed as "Elevate the Stage," the two will meet at the BJCC in Birmingham on January 17th.
The first neutral-site meeting held earlier this year in front of more than 6,000 fans saw the Crimson Tide come out victorious. Both teams this past season placed in the top six at the NCAA Championships. All four events will again be held on elevated podiums just as they are at the SEC and NCAA championship events.
University of Alabama head coach Dana Duckworth issued a statement saying, “We
are so excited to return to Birmingham next season for the second
Elevate the State event. The chance to compete on a podium against Auburn last season
was a huge boost for both teams and a great opportunity for our fans.
“Elevate the State is more than just a great competition, though. It gives both teams a way to reach out and make a difference in local philanthropies such as Camp Smile-a-Mile and the Ronald McDonald House of America.”
Both organizations receive a portion of proceeds from ticket and merchandise sales as well as recognition during the meet.
Bama has defeated Auburn in 112 consecutive meets.
“Elevate the State is more than just a great competition, though. It gives both teams a way to reach out and make a difference in local philanthropies such as Camp Smile-a-Mile and the Ronald McDonald House of America.”
Both organizations receive a portion of proceeds from ticket and merchandise sales as well as recognition during the meet.
Bama has defeated Auburn in 112 consecutive meets.
