Ken Stabler dead: Former NFL star dies aged 69 following complications from colon cancer

Tributes have been paid to one of Oakland Raiders' most respected quarterbacks

Former NFL star Ken Stabler dies, aged 69 (Getty)

One of the Oakland Raiders' most respected quarterbacks, Ken Stabler, has died aged 69 from complications resulting from Stage 4 colon cancer.

His family released a statement saying Stabler had been sick since February, reports ESPN.

“The raiders are deeply saddened by the passing of the great Ken Stabler,” owner Mark Davis said in a team release. “He was a cherished member of the Raider of the Raider family and personified what it means to be a Raider. He wore the silver and black with pride and poise and will continue to live in the hearts of Raider fans everywhere. Our sincerest thoughts and prayers go out to Kenny’s family.”

Stabler played for the Raiders from 1970 until 1979, leading them to victory against the Minnesota Vikings in the 1977 Superbowl.

Ted Hendricks, a former teammate, told ESPN that he had no idea Stabler was even sick.

“That was him. He just wanted to fight it quietly… he was such a gentleman,” Hendricks said.

“We’re going to miss him. He was always charming, and he was a great football player.”

ESPN reports that Stabler died surrounded by friends and family, listening to some of his favourite songs, including Lynyrd Skynyrd’s ‘Sweet Home Alabama’.