Kenny Stabler

Longtime Oakland Raiders quarterback Ken Stabler died Thursday in Gulfport, Miss., according to WPMI. He was 69 years old.

His death was confirmed by Fox WBRC, via a University of Alabama spokesman, and through a statement from Stabler's family that said he died of 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.'"

A native of Foley, Ala., Stabler played collegiately under legendary head coach Paul “Bear” Bryant at the University of Alabama. He led the Crimson Tide to an undefeated season in 1966 was an All-American in 1967.

After his time at Alabama ended, the Raiders selected Stabler in the second round of the 1968 draft. He played in Oakland for 10 seasons and led the team to a Super Bowl XI victory against the Minnesota Vikings in 1977.

During his time in Oakland, Stabler, nicknamed “The Snake,” was a four-time Pro Bowl selection and was named the NFL’s Most Valuable Player in 1974, when he led the league in touchdown passes with 26.

Prior to the 1980 season, Stabler was traded to the Houston Oilers, where he played for two seasons before finishing his NFL career for three seasons with the New Orleans Saints from 1982-84.

In his professional career, Stabler threw for 27,938 yards, 194 touchdowns and 88 interceptions.

After Stabler retired from the NFL, he worked as a color commentator for CBS’ NFL telecasts and also called Alabama games on the radio until 2009.