Roman Gabriel, Pro Bowl Quarterback With Rams and Eagles, Dies at 83

Patrick Andres | Apr 20, 2024

Sep 16, 1973; Philadelphia, PA, USA; FILE PHOTO; Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Roman Gabriel (5) / Herb Weitman-USA TODAY Sports

Roman Gabriel, a decorated college and professional quarterback in the 1960s and '70s, died Saturday, his son announced on social media. He was 83.

"I am sad to announce my father Roman Gabriel passed away peacefully this morning of natural causes at his home. The entire family asked for your prayers, and to please respect our privacy," Gabriel's son wrote.

Gabriel is best known for his years with the Los Angeles Rams, for whom he played from 1962–72. With the Rams, he was named the NFL's MVP in '69 after throwing a league-leading 24 touchdowns against seven interceptions.

He ended his career with 201 touchdowns against 149 interceptions, an exceptional ratio for a quarterback of that era. He made four Pro Bowl appearances in 1967, '68, '69 and '73; the last came for the Philadelphia Eagles, for whom he played from 1973–77.

I am sad to announce my father Roman Gabriel @RGabriel4HOF passed away peacefully this morning of natural causes at his home . The entire family asked for your prayers , and to please respect our privacy 🙏🙏🙏- I love you dad

— Roman Gabriel 3 (@RomanGabriel3rd) April 20, 2024

In college, Gabriel spent a stellar three seasons with NC State, for which he won two ACC Player of the Year awards and finished ninth in the 1961 Heisman voting.

The son of a Filipino immigrant, Gabriel was the NFL's first Filipino American quarterback.