Legendary Los Angeles Rams quarterback Roman Gabriel died Saturday morning at the age of 83, the team confirmed in a statement.
“We mourn the loss of Rams legend and football pioneer Roman Gabriel,” the Rams said. “We extend our condolences to his family and friends during this difficult time.”
Gabriel’s son, Roman Gabriel III, shared on that his father died of natural causes at his home.
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
Gabriel had a chance to play in the AFL with the Oakland Raiders, who selected him No. 1 in the 1962 AFL draft, but chose the Rams, who took him at No. 2 in the draft of the NFL that year.
By the late 1960s, Gabriel was a star quarterback and was selected to the Pro Bowl for three consecutive seasons (1967-69). He also earned NFL MVP and All-Pro honors in 1969 while leading the league in touchdown passes with 24.
That year, the Rams opened the season on an 11-game winning streak and finished 11-3 with a loss to the Minnesota Vikings in the divisional round.
After 11 seasons in Los Angeles, Gabriel signed with the Philadelphia Eagles before the 1973 season. His first season with the Eagles included a fourth Pro Bowl selection and Comeback Player of the Year honors after leading the NFL in scoring. completions (27), passing touchdowns (23) and passing yards (3,219).
Gabriel retired from the NFL in 1977 after five seasons with the Eagles. He had 201 touchdowns for 29,444 yards in 183 career games.
After his playing career, Gabriel coached at Cal Poly Pomona from 1980 to 1982 and was offensive coordinator for the USFL’s Boston Breakers in 1983. Gabriel, a standout quarterback at NC State, was inducted into the Hall of Fame college football fame in 1989.
(Photo: Focus on Sport / Getty Images)