Ken Stabler began his career in Oakland in 1968. He was the Raiders third string quarterback behind Lamonica and George BLanda. Stabler wore his hair long during his playing days and it flowed out the back of his helmet, a perfect example of the message of fuck-you Raiders independence sent to the rest of the then-conservative NFL.
And what Stabler lacked in arm strength, he made up for with an uncanny knack for finding the open receiver. He learned about this from his mentor and second-string quarterback George Blanda. Stabler took over the Raider helm in 1973 and the Raiders would reach the AFC Championship Game five consecutive times. This culminated in a Raider victory in Super Bowl XI in January 1977.
Stabler piled up enormous numbers during his tenure, making All-Pro in 1973, 1974, 1976 and 1977, and the Raiders record book are littered with his name. Upon being traded from Oakland in 1979, Stabler held the single-season marks for most passes attempted at 325, most completions at 188, and most yards gained passing at 2,398. He also has the highest single-season rating in Raiders history. In 197u6
However, what isn't listed is Stablers serene presence on the field which won the respect of this teammates, the fans and made him a master of come-from-behind victories. Stablers feel for the game allowed him to improvise on the run, and he always took things seriously, displaying total command in the huddle. This led to some of the greatest games in pro football history, including 1977 double overtime playoff victory against the Colts, or the victory against the Miami Dolphins in 1974 which ended the Dolphins three straight appearances in the Super Bowl. Due to problems with management, Stabler was traded away in 1979 to the Oilers but he still is the greatest quarterback in Raiders history. He still holds the team records in attempts, completions, yardage and touchdowns.
Stabler is waiting for his initiation to the Pro Football Hall of Fame. It is a travesty that he hasn't won a spot with the immortals who played the sport.
Stablers Career Stats in Oakland
| Year | Games | Att | Comp | % | Yards | YD/Att | TD | Int | Rating |
| 1970 | 3 | 7 | 2 | 28.6 | 52 | 7.43 | 0 | 1 | 18.5 |
| 1971 | 14 | 48 | 24 | 50.0 | 268 | 5.58 | 1 | 4 | 39.3 |
| 1972 | 14 | 74 | 44 | 59.5 | 524 | 7.08 | 4 | 3 | 82.3 |
| 1973 | 14 | 260 | 163 | 62.7 | 1997 | 7.68 | 14 | 10 | 88.3 |
| 1974 | 14 | 310 | 178 | 57.4 | 2469 | 7.96 | 26 | 12 | 94.9 |
| 1975 | 14 | 293 | 171 | 58.4 | 2296 | 7.84 | 16 | 24 | 67.4 |
| 1976 | 12 | 291 | 194 | 66.7 | 2737 | 9.41 | 27 | 17 | 103.4 |
| 1977 | 13 | 294 | 169 | 57.5 | 2176 | 7.40 | 20 | 20 | 75.2 |
| 1978 | 16 | 406 | 237 | 58.4 | 2944 | 7.25 | 16 | 30 | 63.3 |
| 1979 | 16 | 498 | 304 | 61.0 | 3615 | 7.26 | 26 | 22 | 82.2 |
| Career | 130 | 2481 | 1486 | 59.8 | 19078 | 7.68 | 150 | 143 | N/A |
Stablers Career Rushing Stats as a Raider
| Rush Yards | Touchdowns |
| 137 | 4 |
Stablers Playoff Stats
| Games | Att | Comp | % | Yards | TD | Int | |
| Totals | 12 | 325 | 188 | 57.8 | 2398 | 19 | 11 |
Stabler Stats (regular season + playoffs)
| Games | Att | Comp | % | Yards | TD | Int | |
| Totals | 142 | 2806 | 1674 | 59.6 | 21476 | 169 | 154 |
Stabler Photos
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