The NFL lost a legend today, as former NFL MVP Roman Gabriel has passed away at the age of 83.
According to a post from his son on social media, Gabriel “peacefully” of natural causes in his home Saturday morning. His son, Roman Gabriel III, asked for prayers and privacy as he and his family members mourn their tragic loss.
“I am sad to announce my father Roman Gabriel @RGabriel4HOF passed away peacefully this morning of natural causes at his home,” the tweet read. “The entire family asked for your prayers, and to please respect our privacy. I love you dad.“
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
Gabriel is best known for his time under center with the Los Angeles Rams. In 1962, he was drafted by both the AFL’s Oakland Raiders and the NFL’s Los Angeles Rams, with the first- and second- overall picks of each league’s draft, respectively. He would go on to sign with the Rams, where he would have plenty of individual success.
He would play 11 seasons in L.A., making it to three Pro Bowls and earning NFL MVP honors in 1969 after leading the entire league in touchdown passes. In 1973, he would join the Philadelphia Eagles, earning Comeback Player of the Year after throwing for the most yards and touchdowns among all quarterbacks in the league. He spent five seasons in Philly before calling it quits.
Unfortunately, he never got to win a championship and he wasn’t inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. However, he did have his number 18 retired by the South Carolina Gamecocks, and he is also enshrined in the College Football Hall of Fame.
Gabriel is just one of many impressive names who have suited up under center for the Los Angeles Rams organization. Some of the more recent names include Kurt Warner, Jared Goff and current Rams QB Matthew Stafford. Before Gabriel, there were Hall of Famers Bob Waterfield and Norm Van Brocklin.
Gabriel’s 154 career touchdown passes with the Rams are a franchise record, and his 22,223 yards are third on the franchise’s all-time list, behind Jim Everett and Marc Bulger.
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There are many good things to remember about Roman, but my favorite was the time he flat out ran over a linebacker one day in a game. He was a load straight on!
I met Roman Gabriel once in Lake Charles, LA where he was on business. Nice guy.