Not only was he a great QB he is also one of the most interesting characters ever in NFL history. He personified the Raiders all the while he remained an Alabama boy. The best trait he had as an NFL QB was that he wanted to have the respect of his teammates. And boy did he ever. Had it not been for the steel curtain, no telling how many Super Bowls they could have won. They have that 1976 season where they penetrated the vaunted steel curtain right smack dab in the middle of their prime. They beat Pittsburgh in the AFC Championship game 24-7 and made it to the Super Bowl. After beating Pittsburgh the rest was just a formality, the Vikings did not stand a chance. That 1976 Raider team is hardly remembered anymore but they rank in my top 5 teams of all time. Beating Pittsburgh in those days was a monumental achievement.
QB Kenny Stabler Roommates with 6'9" Defensive End John Matuzak. A combination rarely if ever seen. I know the $'s nothing compared to now. That said, knowing how much fun I had playing MLBr in small college ball maybe a decade or so younger than those guys, playing in the Pros had to be insane! I had a friend playing back up Linebacker & Special Teams with the Cowboys for a bit, I got invited to a few gigs. Remember North Dallas 40?
