[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 111 (Thursday, July 16, 2015)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1078-E1079]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 RECOGNIZING KEN ``KENNY'' STABLER OAKLAND RAIDER LEGEND ON HIS PASSING

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. ERIC SWALWELL

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, July 16, 2015

  Mr. SWALWELL of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise with Congressman Jim 
Costa of California, and Congressman Bradley Byrne of Alabama to 
recognize Oakland Raider legend Kenny Stabler on the occasion of his 
passing away from colon cancer on July 9, 2015 at the age of 69.
  After playing football at the University of Alabama, Stabler joined 
the Oakland Raiders and was their quarterback during the franchise's 
glory years from 1970-1979.
  In his time as the Raiders' starting quarterback, Stabler compiled a 
record of 69-26-1, was named to the Pro Bowl four times, earned NFL MVP 
honors in 1974, and won a Super Bowl in 1977. He was one of the most 
accurate passers in football and revolutionized the quarterback 
position with his mobility in an illustrious career that also included 
stops with the Houston Oilers (1980-1981) and New Orleans Saints (1982-
1984).
  More than any statistics or records, (which were impressive enough in 
their own right), Stabler was a clutch performer who was cool under 
pressure. Nicknamed ``the Snake,'' he embodied the toughness, grit, yet 
fun-loving spirit that epitomized the Silver and Black during a storied 
era.
  Stabler was at the helm for some of the NFL's most iconic moments 
including the ``Sea of Hands'' completion to Clarence Davis to defeat 
the Miami Dolphins in the 1974 playoffs, the ``Ghost to the Post'' to 
Dave Casper leading to a victory against the Baltimore Colts in the 
1977 playoffs, and the ``Holy Roller'' fumble he initiated to secure a 
victory over their AFC West rival San Diego Chargers in 1978.
  In fact, NFL Hall of Fame Coach and Commentator John Madden said that 
if he could only have one quarterback in all of NFL history to lead a 
final game-winning drive, it would undoubtedly be Kenny Stabler.
  Kenny's Commitment to Excellence with Pride and Poise was truly 
extraordinary. Along with Congressman Costa and Congressman Byrne, I 
want to acknowledge him for his stellar career and pass along my 
condolences to his family, friends, and the Oakland Raiders franchise.

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