Roman Gabriel, renowned for his towering presence and powerful arm, made history as the NFL’s first Filipino American quarterback. Drafted as the No. 2 pick by the Los Angeles Rams in 1962, Gabriel’s legacy endures, with his record of 154 touchdown passes still standing strong amidst an era dominated by ground games.
Gabriel, the first Filipino-American quarterback in the NFL and the league MVP in 1969. On Saturday, Gabriel peacefully passed away at the age of 83, as announced by his son, Roman Gabriel III, via social media. “We mourn the loss of Rams legend and football pioneer, Roman Gabriel,” the Rams expressed on social media platform X.
A standout athlete from NC State, Gabriel’s towering stature of 6-foot-5 and 235 pounds defied quarterback norms of his time. Described by Green Bay coach Vince Lombardi as “a big telephone pole,” Gabriel’s physical prowess was matched only by his on-field acumen.
Gabriel’s NFL journey spanned 11 years with the Rams and five with the Philadelphia Eagles, where he continued to showcase his prowess. Despite facing adversity, including a trade to the Eagles after the Rams acquired John Hadl, Gabriel’s resilience shone through.
During his tenure, Gabriel led the Rams to two division titles and was named the league MVP in 1969. His remarkable season included 2,549 passing yards, 24 touchdown passes, and five rushing scores, cementing his status as a gridiron icon.
Post-retirement, Gabriel’s contributions extended beyond the field. He ventured into broadcasting, briefly joining CBS as an NFL commentator. Additionally, Gabriel pursued coaching, leaving his mark on teams like Cal Poly Pomona, the Boston Breakers of the USFL, and Raleigh-Durham in the World League of American Football.
Beyond football, Gabriel explored the realms of entertainment, gracing both the silver screen and television. His acting credits include roles in “Skidoo” alongside Jackie Gleason and “The Undefeated” featuring John Wayne and Rock Hudson. Moreover, Gabriel made memorable appearances on iconic TV shows such as “Gilligan’s Island,” “Perry Mason,” “Ironside,” and “Wonder Woman.”
A patriot at heart, Gabriel joined Bob Hope on a USO tour of Vietnam, exemplifying his commitment to serving both on and off the field. In his own words, Gabriel’s retirement was marked by challenges, yet he found solace in contentment, stating, “I am retired with heart problems and arthritis but happy.”
Roman Gabriel leaves behind a lasting legacy as a football trailblazer and a beloved figure in the Filipino American community, forever remembered for his indelible mark on the sport and society at large.
