Ken Stabler, the legendary NFL quarterback who was known for his remarkable career on the field, was married three times throughout his lifetime.

The late quarterback recently became a member of the NFL Hall of Fame, but sadly, he passed away before he could accept it.

The Hall of Fame then declined his family’s request to get his Hall of Fame Ring of Excellence after his induction. However, that rule was changed, and his daughter was finally presented with his Hall of Fame ring.

Ken Stabler was married thrice

Ken was married three times. He was married to Isabel Clarke from 1968 to 1973, to Debbie Fitzsimmons from 1975 to 1978, and to Rose Molly Burch from 1984 to 2009. 

Ken had a daughter with Clarke and two daughters with his third wife, Burch. However, not many details are known about his relationship with his three wives.

Ken Stabler. (Source: Instagram)

Ken was drafted in the second round of the 1968 NFL/AFL draft by the Oakland Raiders and became one of the legendary quarterbacks. 

Moreover, he was also drafted to play baseball by the New York Yankees, New York Mets, and Houston Astros during his early years.

Stabler had his ups and downs during his time with the Raiders, including a brief stay with the Spokane Shockers of the Continental Football League. However, he soon got his footing and made a name for himself.

Stabler’s career peaked in the mid-1970s when he was named the AFC Player of the Year award in 1974 and 1976 and also won the NFL passing title in 1976. 

His greatest accomplishment was leading the Raiders to their first Super Bowl triumph, a decisive victory against the Minnesota Vikings, in January 1977. 

Despite Stabler’s outstanding performance with the Raiders, his career took a turn when he was moved to the Houston Oilers in 1980. 

This marked a transition in his career, and eventually, he retired from professional football after a stint with the New Orleans Saints in 1984. 

Ken Stabler was a proud dad of three children

Ken was not only known for his accomplishments on the field but also for his pride as a father of three loving children. 

Kendra Stabler Moyes, his eldest daughter, whom he shared with Clarke, resides with her husband, Scott Moyes, and two sons, Jack and Justin, in Arizona. 

Alexa Stabler-Adams, middle daughter of Ken, was a successful attorney. She went to the prestigious University of Alabama School of Law. 

As a lawyer, she previously worked side by side with her husband, Hunter Adams, in their intellectual property firm, AdamsIP, in Mobile, Alabama.

However, after her father died, Alexa felt a lot of emotion, anger, and frustration and decided to channel those emotions into something positive. So, she decided to become an NFL agent.

In 2016, she decided to take the NFL Players Association test to become a certified agent. She passed, and less than a year later, she was representing six players for the NFL draft that year.

In 2017, she established her firm called Stabler Sports, a full-service agency that is devoted to helping athletes achieve their goals.

Ken Stabler’s third daughter, Marissa Leigh Stabler. (Source: Instagram)

Ken’s third daughter, Marissa Leigh Stabler, also graduated from the University of Alabama in 2011 Magna Laude with a Bachelor of Arts in Public Relations. 

She is currently a Vice President of Strategy and Planning at Mythic, according to her LinkedIn. She also works as a strategy director at Cheil North America. Alexa and Marissa are the daughters of Ken and his third wife, Burch.

Kendra Stabler Moyes accepted Ken Stabler’s Hall of Fame Ring of Excellence

Kendra, the daughter of the late Ken, accepted her father’s well-deserved Hall of Fame Ring of Excellence on a Sunday night, September 24, 2023. 

The Pro Football Hall of Fame, in collaboration with Kay Jewelers, the official provider of this prestigious honor, arranged a special halftime ceremony to pay tribute to Class of 2016 member Ken. 

Kendra Stabler accepts the Hall of Fame Ring of Excellence her father earned. #Raiders pic.twitter.com/pps8uAOt69

— Levi Damien (@LeviDamien) September 25, 2023

Kendra, accompanied by her sons, wore the jersey of her father and grandfather, Ken. Fellow Raiders Hall of Famers, including Jim Otto and Fred Biletnikoff, were also present.

Mark Davis, the owner of the Las Vegas Raiders, stepped forward to present Kendra with the Ring of Excellence. 

She held the Ring of Excellence up in front of the camera to display this symbol of her father’s outstanding achievements and let everyone see it.

Ken Stabler died at 69 due to colon cancer

On July 8, 2015, Ken died at the age of 69 due to colon cancer. The news of his passing was initially met with confusion when a draft obituary for him surfaced in The Tuscaloosa News before official confirmation could be made. 

However, on July 9, 2015, his family later released a statement confirming the heartbreaking news that Ken had passed away.

After his death, his brain was donated to Boston University. Researchers found high Stage 3 chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) in Ken’s brain, which can be triggered by head injuries suffered in football. 

Professional athletes should be role models for future generations. During the early stages of their career, they learned a lot from their mentors. It helped them become selfless and humble despite having a luxurious lifestyle.

Their good deeds are also worthy of imitation, and their values are admirable. Younger people should look up to these pro athletes as good role models whether they are interested in sports or not.

From four-time Olympic gold medalist Sir Mo Farah to Serena Williams or Roger Federer, there are so many professional athletes to admire.

So, here in this article, let’s try to learn about the 8 best professional athlete role models who greatly impact society. 

Roger Federer 

If we talk about professional athlete role models, the first name that should be on this list is Roger Federer. He is known as one of the best tennis players worldwide. He is famous for winning 17 Grand Slam titles. In 2006, Roger was named a Goodwill Ambassador by UNICEF. 

Not to mention, he was also named Laurus Sportsman of the Year for four consecutive years. Besides his dedication to sports, he has made a great contribution to charities, including helping the victims of the Haiti Earthquake and Hurricane Katrina. 

Tim Tebow

This man is the true definition of hard work, faith, and commitment. In spite of the hate he receives from some NFL fans, he continues to set an excellent example for others. Besides football, the other thing that we should admire is dedicating his life to helping others. He helps countless kids in Africa through his “Tim Tebow Foundation.” 

Serena Williams 

Undoubtedly, she is one of the most popular female role models globally. Serena is a true inspiration among women for her incredible performance in sports that made her 18th-time Grand Slam Champion in tennis. Besides tennis, she has also gained success as an actress, philanthropist, fashion mogul, and a part owner of the NFL’s Miami Dolphins. 

Christiano Ronaldo 

If we search for athletes as role models, we can take the example of Christiano Ronaldo, a kind person who achieved great success in his football career. Although he is always portrayed as selfish in the media, that is far from the truth. 

He has contributed significantly to several charities, including donating money to build schools and paying hospital bills for cancer patients. He even refuses to tattoo his body as he wants to donate blood without the risk of any cross-contamination. 

John Cena 

This WWE superstar has been on a mission to transform lives since the initial stage of his career. He is famous among children for playing the role of a superhero and building confidence in kids whenever he appears on television. Besides spreading his positivity on television, he even visits kids and is famous for doing over 400 “Make-A-Wish” appearances for sick children.  

Clayton Kershaw

There are so many athletes as good role models, but Clayton Kershaw is the most famous among all for contributing most of his money to charity. This highest-paid baseball player and three-time Cy winner donates supplies and support to African orphans. And he also runs a foundation known as “Kershaq’s Challenge.” 

Russel Wilson

Maybe this athlete is infamous for his scrappy nature on the field, but he is a devoted Christian who believes in helping people. Whenever he encounters a regular person, he extends a helping hand and engages in gestures that induce feelings of love. Since becoming an NFL player, he has always visited local hospitals to help sick children. 

George St. Pierre

Like professional athletes who need a level of self-confidence to excel in their careers, sports bettors also require confidence in their decisions when wagering on events. However, just as athletes can cross the line into egoism, bettors have to avoid overconfidence and ensure their choices are well-informed.

George St. Pierre (GSP) is an excellent example in this regard. He demonstrates humility and respect in sports. This MMA fighter has no record of saying wrong things about his opponent and always represents professionalism. The young fighters also received great encouragement and motivation from him as he promoted drug-free training for little fights. 

Just as he refrains from saying wrong things about his opponents, responsible bettors avoid reckless gambling behavior that can lead to losses.

Discerning bettors in the UK use the recommendations from MightyTips, the arbiter of honesty and responsibility in betting.  Success in betting comes from a combination of confidence, respect, and ethical principles, ensuring a positive and rewarding experience for players.

Some other Professional athlete role models to remember

Besides the above list, there are some other positive role models in sports to remember. Let’s take a quick look at them.

Amy Purdy: She lost her leg due to meningitis, but with immense confidence, she started walking again. And she became famous all over the world as a professional snowboarder. She has a record of winning two medals during the 2018 Paralympic Games. 

Jimmie Johnson: This pro athlete has served many years in racing and has donated around 7 million to charities. 

Payton Manning: A very impressive sports personality with a Lombardi Trophy, a few MVPs, and dozens of endorsements. A total of over $6.5 million has been donated by Manning to at-risk youth throughout his career. 

Conclusion 

To conclude, there are so many athletes as good role models who have shown their exceptional abilities in sports and society. Their dedication, motivation, and values inspire both on and off the field. Their greatness is not only measured by the trophies or medals they achieve but also the positive change they try to bring into the world.

American professional wrestler Adam Cole has been in a romantic relationship with his girlfriend Britt Baker for six years, and fans wonder if they took the next step and got married.

Addressing the curiosity of Cole’s fans, he and Baker have not tied the knot yet. The couple has been in a relationship since 2017.

In a candid interview with Chris Van Vliet, Baker disclosed that their initial connection was made through the Bumble dating app. She also mentioned that she initially didn’t recognize Cole because he had his hair back and was dressed in regular clothes.

Baker went on to explain that anytime she had seen him in a wrestling ring, he was always soaking wet, with his hair dripping, and no clothes on. Interestingly, Cole used his real name, Austin, on the app, which made him even less recognizable to her. 

Subsequently, they engaged in online conversations, with Cole taking the initiative in pursuing Baker. But initially, she wasn’t too keen on dating a fellow professional wrestler, which added complexity to their budding connection.

As time passed, their bond grew stronger, and their love deepened. However, their journey of love was not without its challenges, as the pair often had to navigate the complexities of a long-distance relationship. 

Despite living a considerable distance apart, they made it work, with Baker juggling dental school and Cole’s demanding wrestling schedule. Their commitment to making time for each other, despite these hurdles, was a testament to the genuine love they shared.

With their unwavering love and trust in each other, the couple celebrated their six years together. On March 4, 2023, the wrestler shared a heartfelt selfie with his girlfriend on Instagram, expressing profound gratitude for her steadfast support during challenging times.

He wrote, “6 years with this beautiful woman. The past 9 months have been the most challenging time of my life & career. You’ve been there every step of the way, and I couldn’t have done it without you. I love you @RealBrittBaker.”

Similarly, Baker took to Instagram to share a picture of the two of them wearing matching black and yellow outfits. In the caption, she poured out her feelings for her boyfriend, reminiscing about how six years ago, her ‘handsome baby’ asked her to be his girlfriend. 

She went on to describe him as the most beautiful soul who truly has a way of making everyone around him smile.

Baker added a playful note, saying, “He also flosses every night,” and concluded with a heartfelt message, “I’ll always be in your corner, and I’m so incredibly proud of you. Love you @adamcolepro.”

Following the post, numerous fans and followers left heartwarming messages for the couple. One person expressed, “Also, happy anniversary, and this is what true love looks like,” while another wrote, “Aw, too perfect, you’re my PITTSBURGH POWER COUPLE, lol.” There were also many eager well-wishers hoping for the couple to tie the knot soon.

Moreover, on April 23, 2023, the wrestler posted a picture of himself tenderly kissing Baker’s forehead to convey his heartfelt birthday wishes. He accompanied the image with a touching message, saying, “Through the good times and the bad times, I will be here. Happy Birthday @realbrittbaker, I love you.”

Adam Cole’s girlfriend Britt Baker is also a professional wrestler

Baker entered the world of professional wrestling with her debut at an International Wrestling Cartel (IWC) event in 2015. Her journey took an interesting twist in 2016 when she appeared on WWE Raw, facing Nia Jax in a one-sided squash match. 

Likewise, on December 10, 2016, she secured the title of inaugural IWC Women’s Champion. This remarkable achievement came after she emerged victorious in a challenging four-way elimination match against April Sera, Marti Belle, and Sonya Strong.

Later, on September 1, 2018,  Cole’s girlfriend competed in a four-corner survival match at the All In pay-per-view event against Madison Rayne, Chelsea Green, and Tessa Blanchard, with Blanchard emerging as the victor.

Adam Cole’s girlfriend, Britt Baker, is a wrestler. (Source: Instagram)

In the subsequent year, she achieved a groundbreaking milestone by becoming the first woman to sign with AEW. During that year, she also participated in the AEW Women’s World Championship Eliminator Tournament as part of the U.S. bracket, defeating Madi Wrenkowski in the first round but ultimately losing to Rose in the semifinals.

Later in 2021, Cole also made his debut in AEW, marking the first occasion the couple collaborated since their respective wrestling careers began. 

Their partnership reached new heights when they teamed up for a mixed tag team match featured on an episode of AEW Dynamite. In this memorable match, they squared off against the formidable duo of Orange Cassidy and Kris Statlander.

Now, Cole and Baker were in San Francisco, where they appeared at the AEW Revolution pay-per-view. The dynamic duo also hosted a charitable bowling event, showcasing their dedication to giving back to the community.

Adam Cole’s dating history 

According to WhosDatedWho, before dating his girlfriend Baker, Cole had not been in a relationship with any other women.

The wrestler had also not been publicly linked to any women before this date. This could be attributed to his inclination to maintain a clear separation between his personal life and public persona.

Brief on Adam Cole’s career 

Cole commenced his eight-year tenure with ROH in 2009, during which he achieved significant milestones. Notably, he became the first-ever three-time ROH World Champion, secured a one-time ROH World Television Championship reign, and emerged victorious in the 2014 ROH Survival of the Fittest Tournament.

He has also wrestled for several independent promotions, including Chikara, Combat Zone Wrestling (CZW), and Pro Wrestling Guerrilla (PWG).

Likewise, from 2017 to 2021, the wrestler was signed to WWE and competed on their NXT brand. Throughout this period, Cole played a prominent role as the leader of The Undisputed Era, a faction that included members such as Bobby Fish, Kyle O’Reilly, and later, Roderick Strong. 

Additionally, Cole became the second wrestler to achieve the NXT Triple Crown Champion status, initially capturing the NXT North American Championship, securing a one-time NXT Tag Team Championship, and establishing himself as the longest-reigning NXT Champion in history.