Former NFL quarterback Icon for Los Angeles Rams, dies aged 83

Roman Gabriel, a former NFL quarterback who set records, has passed away at the age of 83 due to natural causes at his residence in Little River, South Carolina. His son, Roman Gabriel III, confirmed the news on his X (previously Twitter) account. The post read, “I am saddened to share that my father, Roman Gabriel, passed away peacefully this morning from natural causes at his home. We kindly request your prayers and privacy during this time. I love you, dad.”

Roman Gabriel, a legendary player for the Los Angeles Rams, established a record of 154 touchdown passes during his tenure with the team, a mark that remains unbeaten to this day. Following a decade with the Rams, Gabriel moved to the Philadelphia Eagles in 1973, where he played until his retirement in 1977. After retiring, he ventured into coaching, working with teams like the Boston Breakers and the Raleigh-Durham Skyhawks. Gabriel’s contributions to the Rams made him one of the greatest players in the franchise’s history

After Roman Gabriel’s passing, the Los Angeles Rams’ official website released a statement that read: “The NFL’s first Filipino-American quarterback, Roman Gabriel, passed away on Saturday morning at the age of 83. Gabriel joined the Rams as the second overall pick in the 1962 NFL Draft after setting 22 records at North Carolina State and being chosen first overall by the Raiders in the 1962 AFL Draft.

However, he opted to sign with the Rams.Gabriel’s post-playing career included coaching at Cal Poly Pomona from 1980 to 1982 and serving as the offensive coordinator for the Boston Breakers of the United States Football League (USFL) in 1983. He also raised millions of dollars for various charities after his NFL career. Gabriel was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1989.”