Roman Gabriel had a big frame and big arms when he was drafted No. 2 by the Los Angeles Rams in 1962. Even in his days of playing hard on the field, he still holds the Rams' team record with 154 RBIs. touchdown pass.
Gabriel, the NFL's first Filipino-American quarterback and the league's MVP in 1969, died Saturday. He was 83 years old.
His son Roman Gabriel III announced his father's death on social media, saying he died peacefully at home of natural causes.
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 his time between Wilmington, North Carolina, and Little River, South Carolina.
“The Rams mourn the loss of Rams legend and football pioneer Roman Gabriel,” the Rams said on X (formerly Twitter).
Gabriel played at North Carolina State University, was twice named Atlantic Coast Conference Player of the Year, and was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1989.
He was 6 feet 5 inches tall and weighed 235 pounds, which was large for a quarterback at the time. Green Bay coach Vince Lombardi once described him as a “big telephone pole,” according to the Los Angeles Times.
Gabriel played 11 years with the Rams and five years with the Philadelphia Eagles, where he was traded after the Rams acquired John Huddle.
“Gabe was a great player and an even better coach. Words cannot describe my gratitude for what a great teammate he was.” Gabriel retired as backup with the Eagles in his final season. Quarterback Ron Jaworski posted on 'X'. He is a special player and a better man! ”
Gabriel was such a promising player that the Rams selected him with the second pick in the NFL Draft, and their AFL rivals, the Oakland Raiders, selected him with the first pick. Gabriel eventually signed with the Rams, but it took a while for George Allen to select him. He was hired as Gabriel's coach in 1966 and began to make his mark.
From 1967 to 1970, Gabriel led the Rams to a 41-14-4 record and two district titles, but they missed the playoffs. He threw for 2,549 yards, 24 touchdown passes and five rushing scores in 1969 and was named MVP.
Allen left for Washington after 1970, and Gabriel joined the Eagles in 1973. He helped revive the Eagles' offense, leading the league with 23 touchdown passes and 3,219 yards, earning him NFL Comeback of the Year honors.
After retiring, Gabriel briefly worked for CBS, calling NFL games.
He went into coaching, working with Cal Poly Pomona, the Boston Breakers of the USFL and Raleigh-Durham of the World League of American Football.
Gabriel also dabbled in acting. His film credits include 1968's “Skidoo” starring Jackie Gleason and 1969's “The Undefeated” starring John Wayne and Rock Hudson. He appeared on TV shows such as “Gilligan's Island,'' “Perry Mason,'' “Ironside,'' and “Wonder Woman.'' He also served on Bob Hope's USO tour to Vietnam.
