BREAKING: Another Rams legend, former NFL MVP quarterback with Rams’ all-time record with 154 TD passes dies
Roman Gabriel, a standout quarterback of his era, still holds the record for the most touchdown passes in Rams history with 154. Roman Gabriel, a prominent quarterback in professional football during the 1960s, passed away on Saturday morning as confirmed by his son. He was 83 years old.
“My father Roman Gabriel passed away peacefully this morning at his home due to natural causes. The entire family appreciates your prayers and requests for privacy – I love you dad.”
In 1962, Gabriel, who played for NC State from 1959 to 1961, was the top overall pick in the AFL Draft and the second overall pick in the NFL Draft. Instead of signing with the Raiders of the AFL, Gabriel opted to join the Rams in the NFL, a choice that proved to be highly successful for the team.
The Rams released a statement honoring their former player:
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
“We are saddened by the passing of Roman Gabriel, a revered Rams icon and influential figure in football history. Our heartfelt sympathies go out to his family and friends during this challenging period.”
By the conclusion of the 1960s, Gabriel emerged as one of the premier quarterbacks in the NFL. He earned Pro Bowl selections each year from 1967 to 1969 and was recognized as an All-Pro in 1969 when he also received the league MVP award for leading the NFL in touchdown passes. Alongside the Rams’ formidable Fearsome Foursome defensive line, Gabriel guided Los Angeles to a commendable 32-7-3 regular-season record over that period, capturing two division titles. Despite his achievements, Gabriel’s Rams faced defeats in the playoffs on two occasions against the eventual NFL champions. In 1969, they fell to the Packers during Green Bay’s final title-winning season under Hall of Fame coach Vince Lombardi. Two years later, the Rams suffered a narrow 23-20 loss to the Vikings, who had only lost a single game before the Super Bowl that year.
In 1973, after 11 seasons with the Rams, Gabriel joined the Eagles. In his debut year with the Eagles, he clinched the Comeback Player of the Year award (and earned his fourth and final Pro Bowl selection) by leading the NFL in attempts, completions, passing yards, and touchdown passes. Gabriel continued to play for four more seasons in Philadelphia before retiring after the 1977 season.
#RIP Roman Gabriel
Roman was #NFL MVP in 1969#Rams #RomanGabrielThread pic.twitter.com/unF4RAFDVD— Old Time Football 🏈 (@Ol_TimeFootball) April 20, 2024
Despite not being inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, Gabriel’s career statistics rival those of several quarterbacks enshrined in Canton, Ohio. For instance, he accumulated more career passing yards and touchdowns than Hall of Fame quarterbacks Bart Starr, Roger Staubach, and Bob Griese, as well as more passing yards than Terry Bradshaw. The primary disparity in resumes between those quarterbacks and Gabriel lies in championships.
“He was just as impressive as the very best of his time,” remarked Hall of Fame coach Dick Vermeil about Gabriel. “He possessed a strong arm and was extremely diligent. At that time, nobody put in more effort in preparation for games than Roman. He was truly a student of the game.”
Gabriel maintains his position as the Rams’ all-time leader in career touchdown passes with 154.
“When I consider how passing is emphasized in today’s game, it surprises me that I still hold that record,” Gabriel mentioned in an interview with Sports Illustrated in 1997. “But if I had possessed the physical training methods throughout my career, I believe I could have extended my playing days by at least three years.”
Week 8, 1969#Rams #49ers
Allen ties to get @JerryKramer64GB out of retirement
Gabriel 13-23-319-3
Brodie 25-42-356-3-2
Tucker 3-118-1
Windsor 4-48-1
Willard 12-37-1 5-87-1
41-30 #RamsHouse pic.twitter.com/H7tnZGtRvv— Old Time Football 🏈 (@Ol_TimeFootball) December 3, 2022
Inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1989 and a founding member of the NC State Athletic Hall of Fame, Gabriel enjoyed a successful football career, setting numerous records and being named ACC Player of the Year twice. He was the first ACC quarterback to surpass 1,000 passing yards in a season.
Following his retirement from football, Gabriel excelled in acting, coaching, and broadcasting, and he also raised significant funds for various charitable causes.
