Quarterback Ken Stabler and guard Dick Stanfel were named finalists to become a part of the class of 2016 Hall of Fame by decision of the Veterans Committee, which nominates the Hall of Fame players whose careers finished more than 25 years ago, determined to include the names of Stabler and Stanfel into the ballots to decide who will be immortalized in the venue where only the greats meet in professional football history.
Nominations for both arrive only a few weeks of their deaths, after “The Snake” Stabler passed away last July 8 at age 69, from complications of colon cancer from which he had struggled for some time, Stanfel followed suit on the 22 of the same month, Stabler is remembered mainly for his part in Raiders Oakland / Los Angeles, from 1970-1979 the team he led to win the Super Bowl XI, by a score of 32-14 over the Minnesota Vikings, he then moved to the ranks of Houston Oilers (1980-81) and ended his career with the New Orleans Saints (1982-84), Stabler totaled 2,270 completions in 3,793 attempts, with 27,938 yards gained, 194 touchdowns and 222 interceptions throughout his career.
“he was a beloved member of the Raiders family, he epitomized what it means to be a Raider. He wore the Silver and Black with pride and poise and will live in the hearts of Raiders fans worldwide,” said Mark Davis Team owner.
As for Stanfel, he spent most of his career with the Detroit Lions from 1952 to 1955, and then at Washington Redskins (56-58), with the Lions he won two Championships in 1952 and 1953 was called five times to the All-NFL team, was elected for the All-decade team of the 50s and was named Pro Bowler four times, three consecutive times from 1956 to 1958, and named one of the 70 greatest Redskins in history.
To be part of the Pro Football Hall of Fame class 2016, Stabler and Stanfel must meet at least 80 percent of the votes of the General Selection Committee, like any other candidate to be inducted on August 4th this next year.
