Archie Manning on Ken Stabler - July 10, 2015

Former Saints quarterback Archie Manning talks about his 1970s quarterback counterpart, Ken Stabler, who died earlier this week at age 69.

[@Ghostmotorfinger]

Archie Manning is pure class.

[@depaola63]

Indeed! That MNF game vs the Saints, Oakland was down 35-14 and Stabler threw 3 TD's to Branch ( who also belongs in The HOF!! ..Cliff has 3 RINGS mind you! + GREAT #'s!)..Oakland won 42-35 on that classic night in 1979! I was 16 and remember it well..*

[@williamshillinglaw6583]

You can chisel that in stone.

[@timhuggins7069]

@@depaola63 i remember that game well i had to go to work while the raiders were losing big. I didn't know they won until the next day.

[@georgemiklos8063]

You would be correct!!

[@kendavis625]

@@depaola63I remember that game.

[@waltersobchak854]

God bless Archie Manning. So insightful.

[@jefftollison3848]

The years Stabler played with the Oakland Raiders was the most entertaining football era on football.. there was a mystique that group had that was just magical..

[@dave-d-grunt]

The moving around, the flip flopping coaches took the mystique away from the Raiders. At times I wondered if they really wanted to win. Fans still attended the games, and bought the memorabilia. Why did they need to win? Still making money. The moves? Especially the move to Vegas? They just gave the fans the big finger! I was a Raider fan from the days of the Snake! I quit them 2 years ago!

[@jefftollison3848]

@@dave-d-grunt I understand exactly how you feel. The years Oakland was in the Bay area were the best days.

[@JontheWorldsBestMediator]

Great point. KC rivalry was unreal. Stabler, Hubbard, Branch, snd more.

[@TheSteveSteele]

@@dave-d-grunt I’ve thought about this a lot. And I think two things happened. Al wanted free agency. He pushed for it. He thought he could sign even more great players. But that’s not what happened. All didn’t have the money to compete with a new type of owner that was buying NFL franchises in the ‘80s. And two, for some reason Al couldn’t find a QB. Marc Wilson, Jay Schrader, Steve Beuerlein, Todd Marinovich, etc, then finally Jeff Hosteler who was decent. Jeff George was unstable but could throw. Then finally Gannon. But that would be the last QB until Carr, who we just let go, (and I highly doubt we’ll actually replace him with someone good). Those two things hurt the Raiders since the late 80s - early ‘90s.

[@dave-d-grunt]

@@TheSteveSteele you are right on the money! I doubt they’ll get a decent QB anytime soon.

[@wreckanchor]

Archie in my opinion was one of the 5 greatest college QB's in history. He was amazing in college. Never had any supporting cast as a pro but wow what a tallent.

[@stever1791]

Archie might have been higher than 5 - I watched that Bama / Ole Miss national game With Archie and Scott Hunter QB's and i decided that night , this is the best QB in football = The ballad of Archie

[@MAGAMANPATRIOT]

Boneshaker , Archie was electric on the field. If he could've ever got with the right team yep he could've had a few superbowl trophies himself. I hated going over to Mississippi when he was there. He was a great QB then those fans were crazy then they wrote that dadgum song about him. Hunter at Bama (roll tide) Manning in Mississippi that Tide 33 Rebels 32 game is still talked about being the best game ever...

[@obbor4]

The best quarterback named Manning knows full well who the best quarterback of all time was. When Archie's kids asked him anything about how to play the position, he reportedly said to them, "Call Mr. Stabler..."

[@eexthompson3032]

Archie MANNING should be in hall of fame

[@timsmith6940]

I grew up watching Archie Manning in college and the NFL. Archie should be in the hall of fame

[@Blue-rw9kj]

I watched a college game with Stabler vs Manning, final score like 33-32, with Mississippi winning , that sound right?

[@seanm3226]

Hall Of Fame? C’mon!

[@dynjarren8355]

He’s right! Stabler would shake off interceptions. He wouldn’t let it bother him. He would come out gunning for a touchdown and was never afraid to throw the long ball. In fact, that was his specialty. Getting those Touchdowns quickly! Quick strikes that would shock the opposing team. When they realized they were going to lose the game because of his last minute heroics. He was one of the greatest comeback players ever. No game was out of reach with Stabler playing. I watched him play for years loyally every chance I had because it was exciting to watch him beat the other team and win. When they where supposed to lose the game. Kenny “the Snake” Stabler was a winner all the way. I idolized the guy. He was so cool under pressure too. He made me a Raiders fan. Just Win, Baby! -Al Davis And he did exactly that every week! RIP Kenny Stabler and Al Madden

[@lemonfishchampion408]

I rember that game Archie is refering to. The Saints were up 28 to 0 at half time. The Snak came out in the second half and lead the Raiders to a 35 to 28 victory. One of his greatest games. Put him in the god dam hall of fame already.

[@DrDeath26]

Actually, you're wrong. The Saints led 28-14 at half, then midway through the 3rd period, *Snake* got picked by Ken Borderlon, who took it back for a TD to make it 35-14. *Snake* was being replaced by Plunkett, but he took the field, told Plunkett he had it, got in the huddle and told the team - 'I got us into this mess, now I'm going to get us out of it.' A long drive was capped off by Mark Van Eeghen to make it 21-35 entering the 4th. In the final period *Snake* threw 3 TD passes to win 42-35. I have the game on VHS and DVD and have watched it many times. It was one of my favorite sports moments as a kid.

[@hatuxka]

@@DrDeath26 yes, saw that game in it's entirety. I think those MNF games started at 9 on the east coast. I am guessing many people in the east tuned out at 35-14, except this NorCal Raider fan who was in the east for school. The Raiders looked a mess on both sides of the ball until Snake caught fire. His playmaking from there even made the defense play better.

[@johnlucius1665]

I was 13 when I witnessed that game and will always have fond memories of that game. Raider Nation.

[@TruthLivesNow]

@@DrDeath26 "I got us into this mess, now I'm going to get us out of it.' - Ken Stabler What a Quarterback! I will always remember those passes and receptions in the "Sea of Hands" game. Fred Bilitnekoff, one handed reception in the End Zone, Cliff Branch, 70+ yard reception and run, (making the reception on his back, and the "Sea of Hands" pass and reception by Clarence Davis. I had fun watching this team! I do not have a DVD/VHS copy of the game, and I did not check my spelling for the players, just my mind.

[@TruthLivesNow]

Abreviated version of the Saints/Raider game they are talking about in 1979 - kzbin.info/www/bejne/q6DWpamVjpuBbZo

[@robertrock8778]

Archie would be in the HOF if he had played on virtually any other team than the Saints. One tough hombre.

[@michaelbarlow6610]

I remember listening to a Monday Night Football game on radio many years ago during my college years (although I was at home when the game was played) when Stabler was the New Orleans Saints' QB and the Saints were way behind in the score in the third quarter and one of the opposing team's (I forget who the Saints were playing against that night) players hit Stabler with a cheap shot and John Madden who was watching the game on TV said to whoever was sitting with him, "the game's over". His friend said "you're right the Saints are going to lose". Madden said, that no he meant that because of that cheap shot ( probably unnecessary roughness or roughing the QB), Stabler was going to rally the Saints to win the game which is exactly what happened! One of the greatest comebacks ever seen on Monday Night Football!

[@rogerw3818]

That must have felt like a million mile walk when Plunkett had to go back to the sidelines. And for Madden to allow such a public display of defiance shows that he knew the fire within Ken Stabler. That was a pure Legend move, and Archie Manning knew it immediately.

[@stevewitsken6785]

I don't

[@milt6208]

A couple of good ole Southern boys Archie and the Snake.

[@jimsmith9301]

Kenny could drink all night Saturday night and play great Sunday. Loved the Snake. RIP

[@xvsj5833]

Mannings are pure class because of Archie #8

[@deanmashburn6829]

Archie Manning you were a badass quarterback yourself and so were your sons you all belong in the Hall of Fame alongside the snake Kenny stapler rest in peace snake and roll tide roll all the way to the hall of fame

[@speedracer2336]

Visited Foley, Al last weekend, drove on Kenny Stabler Way!

[@jomic9060]

small side note. The Snake will always be the first lefty to win the super bowl.

[@martyzimmerman4761]

Jo mic yup

[@philippeigoa7765]

I want say both left-handed QB's to win the SB played for Bay Area teams: Stabler with the Raiders and Steve Young for the 49'ers.

[@kevinmitchell4018]

The 🐍 snake was left& right handed wen he needed to be

[@johnpeebles3076]

Best lefty to ever lace up cleats...

[@enlightenedidiot9552]

Excellent humility. Class act...

[@iamagr8hunter]

Poor Archie could of been as good or better than his sons. He never had protection from his line.

[@guyh.4121]

Playing for The Aints wasn’t the best spot for Archie.

[@Macca50]

That is so true.

[@paulleach5841]

This was Awesome! Thank You #RNFL Since 73'

[@christophermorgan3261]

Mississippi used to play my alma mater Vanderbilt back in the early 70's. I remember sitting in the end zone on one occasion, seeing him very close up. He was average height but very fast in an era when Q's rarely had speed. He marched his offense passing and running up and down the field all day. VU was beat maybe 50 to 0. Best Q i ever saw.

[@MA_808]

Archie was right. For a period of time no one ever before or since then played better than Stabler. No one.

[@mikemulrennan7948]

Was fortunate enough to see Stabler play as a kid in Oakland. I was at The Sea of Hands game.. prime example of his resilience. RIP Kenny 🙏🏻

[@dancornelius320]

100% Genuine Dude.

[@johnrosier1686]

Good memories here of my childhood. I was a fan of Archie but Stabler was definitely my childhood favorite.

[@earl2688]

It's called the "Hall of Fame", not the "Hall of Good Stats". In the '70s, there was no more famous football player than Stabler. Ken Stabler made the NFL famous, not the other way around. It took far too long to put him in the HOF, but I'm glad he can rest in peace on that.

[@lemoynecastle6213]

Stabler Tore up the Steelers multiple times in their heyday. Didn't matter if they were behind in the score, behind the chains, behind the 8-ball in their own end zone, Kenny Stabler would find a way to Snake it out of there with his legs or arm or both. It was Always a tough 60 minute game for the opponents when Stabler was under center. He's a big part of Madden's success and the Raiders being the winningest team in the 80s (iirc). I'm like: "Stabler's NOT in the Hall of Fame?!? ... WTF??"

[@loyevangelists]

@@lemoynecastle6213 How many Super Bowls did Ken Stabler win? How many Super Bowls did the Pittsburgh Steelers win?

[@YesMyTatsAreReal]

Snake is my all-time favorite NFL player As his teammate, Phil Villapiano, said about Stabler, "Kenny isn't a quarterback. Kenny is one of the boys who happens to play quarterback, and when you have one of the byys playing quarterback that's a good feeling."

[@kenperkins7921]

As a small Alabama Qb in seventy one. youth league football my name was was Kenny Perkins so I was called Snake, Stabler or Ray Perkins unfortunately for me, I was always the Qb so I sent off to Texas to get a play book from the man who created the Wishbone offense I studied the book and was ready. Un fortunately the coaching was very little and I became Archie manning instead of Kenny Stabler. By the time junior high rolled around. I was damaged goods and decided to retire at thirteen. It sure was a lot more fun watching others getting there Bells rung and hearing the coach telling you to rub some dirt on it while you are puking and dizzy Ha ha

[@kenperkins7921]

but I WILL ALWAYS FELEAL A KINSHIP WITH ARCHIE manig!.

[@timhuggins7069]

Thank you Archie for referring to Stabler as Snake and not the snake. Because longtime raider fans know it's Kenny "Snake" Stabler not Kenny the Snake Stabler. I couldn't imagine when Stabler completed a difficult or incredible pass that a teammate would have said way to go the snake. No they would say that was a hell of a pass Snake.

[@jiveassturkey8849]

Thank you for referring to him as KENNY and not Ken. He was always Kenny Snake Stabler to me. Never Ken Stabler. That just sounds strange. ....even though John Madden called him Ken lol

[@michaelstorm2165]

Gr8 tribute, great qb Archie Manning, and he sure throws champion puppies😎

[@mikeswain6058]

Archie is class. Always. He had a LOTTA talent. No line

[@kirkgraham6469]

I never noticed how much Peyton sounds like him. I closed my eyes and heard Peyton!

[@barrywatts875]

The genuine admiration Archie Manning had for Kenny Stabler. Two SEC quarterbacks that made it to the NFL. Archie played for Johnny Vought and Kenny played for Bear Bryant. There will never be two Pro Athletes as modest and humble as these two quarterbacks. Is easy to say they were just Southern Gentleman but it's more than being from the South and more than being Gentlemen. I wish Kenny was still with us,. Archie became a man when he discovered his father's suicide and did not let that stop him from success. That may be why the Manning's are such a close knit loving family.

[@taylorbranson7790]

His comment about snake being healthy is so true. Snake would drink and smoke daily and still play lights out. If he stopped he would be unstoppable.

[@greenbeagle13]

I love the Manning family. Archie raised some great kids and they were fortunate to have such great parents. That's why they turned out as good as they did.

[@darwynmead2597]

Archie is a true gentleman.

[@olderolderman4603]

Good interview I remember the game he play with a broken arm at old miss😊

[@intuitive7274]

No one like Stabler he dam sure was a hall of famer

[@clendenenjames8804]

Just. Wonderful, I love NFL

[@bradleach3382]

Archie was one tough son of a gunnnnnn and as classy as they get 🇺🇸

[@Winnie122459]

Seen him cut up my Bears at Soldiers field with the Raiders down by a couple of scores and three minutes left in the game and they just kicked their butts. Never forgot this

[@williamdunlop8191]

Two football legends

[@edrussell8848]

Excellence

[@jamesanthony5681]

What I remember about Ken Stabler was that he made it look so easy. Like anybody could do it.

[@2299jsimon]

Stabler was a great scrambler...

[@silverback1518]

He’s absolutely correct about Ken Stabler. The guy could play football.

[@bobbyhathorn8847]

Snake had Branch, Chester, Biletnikoff, Casper, plus two decent RB's Pruitt and van Eeghen, and a world-class O-line. The Raider D ended Miami's Super-Bowl streak. Compare that to what the Saints put around Archie, and with the exception of Henry Childs and Wes Chandler, it's amazing that #8 won as much as he did. It would've been interesting to have seen what EAM would've done on Landry's Cowboys, Shula's Dolphins, or Noll's Steelers.

[@salvadorealiberto]

Saints-Raiders 1979 Monday Night Football. Most classic battle of the Manning era. Poor Arch did not get there in the end, despite the 21 point lead.

[@recvehicle8888]

My dad used to say Stabler was "uncanny"

[@j.m.youngquist419]

Jim Plunkett should be in the Hall of Fame also

[@jamesanthony5681]

Two Superbowls. Yes, I'd vote him in if I could.

[@sammylacks4937]

He sent Plunkett back out !! It can't get any better than that well maybe him saying Ken was a hall of fame QB. Well said Mr Manning we all agree.

[@terrytenley9327]

I remember Archie too was a great quarterback on a team with no defense.. They were the Ain’ts not the saint’s.. it was a laugh.. Mind you this is Peyton and Eli’s dad! The fans wore lunch bags on their heads.. with eye holes.. it was the ultimate put down.. The fans didn’t want anyone to know they came to the games.. So long ago. Ha. Years ago I lived in the northwest USA.. we really had no sports team. So we routed for the Raiders, Oakland A’s and warriors.. In the 60’s nobody I knew watched the 49ers or the Giants.. They were losers with great folks that never won anything till the 49ers did in 1981 later in the 00’s the giants finally did.. But when Stabler came to town everyone was ready to watch….. Those raider teams were built back then ..but not now..thx

[@bloqk16]

I recall in an Archie interview years ago that really impressed me about that guy. He was commenting that all the intricacies his son, Peyton, does at the quarterback position was way beyond his own comprehension; as Archie admitted that he himself winged it about 50 percent of the time when playing QB for the Saints.

[@jamesanthony5681]

The Saints had all losing seasons Archie was there, except '79 when they went 8-8. He never complained, never wanted a trade, as I remember. Classy man.

[@karlcooper7016]

He should have left New Orleans a lot sooner than he did staying with them cost him the Hall of fame and probably at least one championship.

[@jeffreyhogan7298]

Stabler finally elected to HOF long time coming!💯🙏💪😎

[@blite13]

Snake = Legend.

[@toddm9501]

I'm a die hard Raiders fan. I'm 57 now. My Dad always told me, Archie Manning was one of The Greatest QB's ever. Crappy Saints teams. His Favorite was Fran Tarkenton.

[@scottgarza276]

Ol Archie on dat medicine.

[@joenamath4368]

Scott-get me some. LOL

[@user-wo9qu7rw7u]

Why is Archie never mentioned as one of the toughest QBs .. he was always playing with a 3 man offensive line .. always on the run

[@petermarshall899]

Would have been in the Hal of fame himself if he had a descent team around him.

[@vicentarreolacapri8829]

Welcom México Raiders

[@bobfeller604]

I can think of a few people who don't belong in the Hall, but Archie would never say that.

[@georgeorwell4534]

Too much class.

[@Shirley_-zn8kl]

AND HE COULD WIN GAMES IN THE LAST TWO MIN.

[@stellertonybeller1972]

it's a shame that Stabler went to the hall of fame after he died .

[@1stshepherd]

It's often said that those who can't do, teach. Definitely NOT the case with Archie Manning. He's a class act and would disagree with me but I think he was better than his sons. Just needed a little help on the O-line. 🏈⚘️🏈

[@philippeigoa7765]

Peyton sure has his dad's mannerisms, don't he ?

[@JayDogTitan-he6wo]

That's Peyton's dad alright.

[@mattosullivan9687]

Archie is a class act maybe he did not win one but his kids did and maybe the grandkid as well

[@StationRussification]

I didn't hurt that Upshaw & Shell had HOF games as well

[@vicentarreolacapri8829]

Return to glory Raiders I by back coraje americano

[@MENFUSSMIKE]

Archie is on more sauce than Snake ever was

[@loyevangelists]

Kenny Stabler was good but the Pittsburgh Steelers of the day had his number. 4 Super Bowl wins in 6 years

[@DominicRea-ey4sr]

Yeah butt Head to Head they were 3-2 Pitt in the 70s Five straight years they played each other & there was Also Miami.. 2 of the greatest Dynasties in History & they held their own with BOTH Teams nobody else did.!?

[@natestakely1478]

Arch is stuttering over " When he was healthy" cause his mind said " when hes off the booze, drugs and those women" and of course that team of 85% hockey enforcers my gosh its a wonder Snake did as well as he did.

[@JA_WILL]

The Patriarch seems to have had a few cold ones in honor of "The Snake" to me in this interview.

[@timfranczyk3293]

And he was left-handed

[@stardaddyo9]

Stabler was cool as the other side of the pillow.

[@vicvaccani4542]

Why isn’t snake in the hall of fame

[@doug3819]

Tom Brady and Dan Marino may be the greatest QBs of all time in my opinion but the snake Ken Stabler and Steve Young were the most underrated QBs of all time. As a matter of fact when he was on in his era snake was virtually unstoppable ! Not being biased because i was a browns fan during that era.

[@stardaddyo9]

Stabler was a good qb but he wasnt a big guy and the pounding caught up to him by 1978.