NFL Legend and Pioneer Roman Gabriel Passes Away at 83

Roman Gabriel, an 83-year-old trailblazer in the NFL and the first Filipino-American quarterback, is deeply missed by the league's community. At 6-foot-5 and 235 pounds, Gabriel was a massive player who made a lasting impression on the game with his powerful arm and large frame. He stood out in a time when ground-based offenses were the norm.

After being selected by the Los Angeles Rams with the second overall pick in the 1962 NFL Draft, Gabriel rapidly established himself as a formidable player. Gabriel's aerial skill set him apart at a time when rushing the ball was the standard, as demonstrated by his record-breaking 154 touchdown passes for the Rams—a feat that remains unbroken to this day.

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. pic.twitter.com/NY6y6ddm1x
— Los Angeles Rams (@RamsNFL) April 20, 2024

Beyond just his stats, Gabriel made history by being the first Filipino-American quarterback to start in the NFL. Being awarded the league MVP in 1969 was the pinnacle of his accomplishments and a testimonial to his extraordinary talent and leadership on the field.

In addition to his physical prowess, Gabriel's character and mentoring are highly remembered by his former teammates and coworkers. In his final season with the Philadelphia Eagles, Gabriel supported retired quarterback Ron Jaworski. Jaworski commended Gabriel as a player and a mentor, highlighting his priceless contributions to the game and to those around him.

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Gabriel shown tenacity and resolve throughout his remarkable career, rising to obstacles and disappointments with courage and grace. Few players had the same influence on the field as Gabriel, who led the Rams to two division titles and was named NFL Comeback Player of the Year with the Eagles.

After he finished playing football, Gabriel pursued a career in acting, coaching, and broadcasting. He transitioned from the sidelines to the big screen thanks to his many interests and skills, charming viewers with his charisma and presence in TV series and films.

Gabriel has impacted innumerable people's lives both on and off the field, leaving a legacy that extends beyond sports. Roman Gabriel III, his son, shared the news of his father's passing on social media, saying that Gabriel died quietly at home from natural causes.

Tributes to Gabriel's extraordinary life and career are flooding in from fans, teammates, and organizations as the NFL world takes time to reflect. In expressing their sympathies, the Los Angeles Rams—the team where Gabriel established himself as a great quarterback—honored Gabriel's lasting legacy and achievements to the sport.

Future generations will continue to be impacted by Roman Gabriel's contributions to sport and society at large. Gabriel's impact goes well beyond his on-field achievements; he was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1989 and continues to inspire and serve as a role model for upcoming generations of athletes and trailblazers.

Source - AP News