OAKLAND, Calif. (AP) β Hall of Fame coach John Madden says the death of Ken Stabler came as a “shock to all of us” because the former Oakland Raiders quarterback kept his cancer diagnosis a secret.
Madden said Friday that Stabler was the ultimate tough guy. He says Stabler never went into the training room when a teammate could see him and played through numerous injuries.
Stabler’s family announced his death on Stabler’s Facebook page Thursday. The family said Stabler died as a result of complications from colon cancer. He was 69.
The 79-year-old Madden says Stabler should be in the Hall of Fame. Madden recalls fond memories of Stabler’s playing days, including famous games that earned the nickname “Holy Roller,” ”Sea of Hands” and “Ghost to the Post.”
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