Roman Gabriel, superstar NFL quarterback, has died at the age of 83. He passed in his home on Saturday.
During his NFL career on the Los Angeles Rams, Gabriel set a team record with 154 touchdown passes. He still holds the record to this day.
When Gabriel became the No. 2 draft pick of the Los Angeles Rams in 1962, he became the first Filipino-American quarterback in the NFL. Seven years later, he would go on to become league MVP in 1969.
For his time playing at North Carolina State, Gabriel was also inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1989 and was a two-time player of the year in the Atlantic Coast Conference.
He also played for 11 years for the Rams and five years for the Philadelphia Eagles.
Gabriel’s list of accolades includes two division titles and an impressive 41-14-4 record with the Rams. His MVP status was awarded after throwing for 2,549 yards with 24 touchdown passes and five rushing scores.
In 1973, Gabriel was traded to the Philadelphia Eagles, where his NFL success continued. He was awarded Comeback Player of the Year after leading the league with 23 touchdown passes and 3,219 yards.
After his football career was over, he then worked for CBS calling NFL games before pursuing coaching.
Additionally, Gabriel was also an actor who starred in films like Skidoo and The Undefeated, as well as shows like Gilligan’s Island, Perry Mason, Ironside, and Wonder Woman.
Colleagues and Friends Mourn the Death of Roman Gabriel
According to his son, Roman Gabriel III, Gabriel died of natural causes in his home in Little River, South Carolina. Many of his ex-colleagues and friends shared their condolences on X.
“Gabe was an amazing player and an even better mentor. Words can’t explain my thanks for what a great teammate he was,” said Ron Jaworski on X. “A special player and a better man!”
Additionally, the Los Angeles Rams wrote a statement on X: “We mourn the loss of Rams legend and football pioneer, Roman Gabriel. We extend our condolences to his family and friends during this difficult time.”