Former Oakland Raiders quarterback Kenny Stabler IS NOT in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. He trails Terry Bradshaw's career passing yards total by just 61 yards. The Raiders all-time leading passer threw for more yards than Joe Namath and Bob Griese. Namath, Griese and Bradshaw are in the Hall of Fame, while Stabler is not.
Passing Yards
Bradshaw: 27,989
Stabler: 27,938
Namath: 27,663
Griese: 25,092
Stabler led the Raiders to their first Super Bowl title, a 32-14 win over the Minnesota Vikings in Super Bowl XI. While Namath only won one Super Bowl, nobody questions Broadway Joe's impact on the game of pro football. His bravado alone gives him clout where his statistics fail him. Bradshaw's and Griese's Super Bowls help put them over the top.
Stabler led the Raiders top five straight AFC Championship game appearances and was part of numerous thrilling come-from-behind victories including the Ghost to the Post in the 1977 playoffs, the Sea of Hands in the 1974 playoffs, and the Holy Roller during the 1977 regular season.
The Snake definitely belongs.
A.P. Steadham of 'BamaMag writes:
Any lengthy discussion of the former NFL and Alabama star frequently evokes the response, "I thought Kenny Stabler was in the Pro Football Hall of Fame." An effort to elicit an opinion on the worthiness of a candidate from an opponent is a delicate proposition Reluctance may be due to a number of factors – a lingering grudge, fear of organizational reprisal, a sole interest in promoting only former teammates, an unwillingness to go on record, or they do not believe in the notion of campaigning. Seeking a positive recommendation from a fierce rival is normally a longshot, but sometimes the truth prevails. Resounding approval from a competitor is a significant gesture.
One players of note that Steadham quoted in his piece is Donnie Shell, who knows Stabler's ability first-hand:**
Donnie Shell, a five-time Pro Bowl and three-time All-Pro safety, stated unequivocally without reservation the Pro Football Hall of Fame merits of the 1974 Associated Press NFL MVP and 1976 Bert Bell Award winner (Player of the Year). "Absolutely," he said. "Kenny Stabler was a great quarterback. He led the Oakland Raiders. He made them go. Kenny Stabler could throw the ball a long way with a soft touch without zipping it and it got there. He was incredible."
