The Stabler family announced today that Mr. Ken Stabler, who died in July at age 69, was diagnosed with chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE). The diagnosis was made by Dr. Ann McKee at the VA-BU-CLF Brain Bank. A football icon, Mr. Stabler was an NFL MVP and quarterbacked the 1977 Super Bowl champion Oakland Raiders.  

The Concussion Legacy Foundation would like to thank the Stabler family for pursuing the study of Mr. Stabler’s brain according to his wishes, and for disclosing his CTE diagnosis. The choice to support CTE research and raise awareness of its debilitating effects is courageous and appreciated. Brain donation is a critical first step in understanding and eventually having treatments for CTE. Families who would like to learn more about brain donation can visit ConcussionFoundation.org.

Mr. Stabler is a finalist for the 2016 Pro Football Hall of Fame class. The selection committee will meet this Saturday to discuss the merits of the 18 finalists and determine the newest class of enshrinees.

For more information about the diagnosis of CTE in Mr. Stabler’s brain, read this New York Times article and view this video by ESPN Outside The Lines.