Roman Gabriel, known for his imposing stature and powerful throwing arm, made history as the No. 2 draft pick for the Los Angeles Rams in 1962. Despite the ground-focused style of play during his era, he remains the Rams’ record-holder for touchdown passes with an impressive tally of 154. Gabriel, the NFL’s first Filipino American quarterback and the league MVP in 1969, died on Saturday at the age of 83.
His son, Roman Gabriel III, announced his father’s peaceful passing at home due to natural causes on social media.
Personal Life and Legacy
In 2021, the elder Gabriel told the Los Angeles Times, “I retired with heart problems and arthritis but I’m happy.” He said he split time between Wilmington, North Carolina, and Little River, South Carolina.
“We mourn the loss of Rams legend and football pioneer, Roman Gabriel,” the Rams said on X, formerly known as Twitter.
Gabriel, a standout player at NC State and a two-time Atlantic Coast Conference Player of the Year, was honored with induction into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1989.
Standing at 6-foot-5 and weighing 235 pounds, Gabriel defied the quarterback norms of his era, earning the colorful description from Green Bay coach Vince Lombardi as “a big telephone pole,” according to the Los Angeles Times.
He spent 11 seasons with the Rams and five with the Philadelphia Eagles, following a trade after the Rams acquired John Hadl.
Reflections and Tributes
“Gabe was an amazing player and an even better mentor. Words can’t explain my thanks for what a great teammate he was,” retired quarterback Ron Jaworski, whom Gabriel backed up on the Eagles in his final season, posted on X. “A special player and a better man!”
Career Highlights
Gabriel’s immense talent made him a highly sought-after prospect, with the Rams selecting him as the No. 2 pick in the NFL draft, despite the Oakland Raiders of the AFL selecting him as No. 1. Gabriel signed with the Rams, but it wasn’t until the arrival of coach George Allen in 1966 that he truly left his mark.
From 1967 to 1970, Gabriel led the Rams to a remarkable record of 41-14-4, securing two division titles, though never advancing to a playoff game. He earned the MVP title in 1969 after an outstanding season, throwing for 2,549 yards with 24 touchdown passes and five rushing scores.
Following Allen’s departure for Washington in 1970, Gabriel joined the Eagles in 1973. He was named the NFL Comeback Player of the Year, leading the league with 23 touchdown passes and 3,219 yards, as he tried to help revive the Eagles’ offense.
After retiring, Gabriel briefly worked as an NFL game broadcaster for CBS before transitioning into coaching roles at Cal Poly Pomona, the Boston Breakers (USFL), and Raleigh-Durham (World League of American Football).
Beyond Football: Acting and Humanitarian Work
Beyond his sports career, Gabriel explored acting, appearing in films such as Skidoo (1968) and The Undefeated (1969) and popular TV shows like Gilligan’s Island, Perry Mason, Ironside, and Wonder Woman. He also participated in a USO tour of Vietnam with Bob Hope.
This report used information from ESPN.
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