Why the hell did it take 31 years???
A couple of reasons: first, he was a Raider, and a lot of voters still resent Al Davis for all of his antics and accomplishments. The Raiders of that era were a unique group of individuals and many in the league didn’t believe the presented the “right” image for a league that had become the most powerful in professional sports.
It’s hardly a revelation, but most of those who wore silver and black in those days liked to drink, fight, chase women and raise hell in no particular order. Al Davis and John Madden tolerated it (as long as they won), and didn’t care what the league thought.
Secondly, Stabler was often dismissed as a QB who did little more than dump off short passes to outstanding receivers like Cliff Branch, Dave Casper and Fred Biletnikoff, but it took great skill to read the defense and make those throws. And there were some great defensive players and schemes in the NFL in the 70s, including the team the Raiders often met in the playoffs, the Pittsburgh Steelers.
The Snake was one of the greats—certainly worthy of induction into the Hall of Fame. Too bad it’s coming after his passing.