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NFL Legend Dies Suddenly

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Roman Gabriel, the legendary Los Angeles Rams quarterback and the 1969 league MVP, has passed away at the age of 83, his son confirmed today. In a heartfelt social media disclosure that grabbed headlines, Roman Gabriel III revealed that his father died peacefully at home due to natural causes.

“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,” he posted on X, formerly known as Twitter.

Gabriel wasn’t just any quarterback. Selected as the No. 2 overall pick in the 1962 draft, he shattered ceilings as the first Filipino-American NFL quarterback. Even after retiring, his record of 154 touchdown passes remains a towering achievement for the Rams.

In an interview with the Los Angeles Times in 2021, Gabriel shared, “I am retired with heart problems and arthritis but happy.” His later years were spent between Wilmington, North Carolina, and Little River, South Carolina, enjoying retirement despite health challenges.

The Rams organization took to social media to honor the memory of the man who once led their squad. “We mourn the loss of Rams legend and football pioneer, Roman Gabriel,” they said on X.

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Standing at an imposing 6’5″ and weighing 235 pounds, Gabriel was a force to be reckoned with, a fact not lost on NFL legends like Vince Lombardi who once called him “a big telephone pole.”

His college days at North Carolina State were just as storied, earning him the Atlantic Coast Conference’s player of the year title twice and a spot in the College Football Hall of Fame in 1989. The team continued their tribute, “We mourn the passing of our legendary former quarterback Roman Gabriel and offer our condolences to his family,” a statement on X read this Tuesday.

Gabriel’s NFL career spanned over 16 seasons, with his initial 11 years at the Rams before moving to the Philadelphia Eagles. His tenure is highlighted by impressive stats: a 86–64–7 win-loss record, 29,444 passing yards, and 201 touchdowns. He holds a unique NFL record for the “lowest interception percentage.”

“Gabe was an amazing player and an even better mentor. Words can’t explain my thanks for what a great teammate he was,” praised former Eagles quarterback Ron Jaworski, who learned from Gabriel at the tail end of his career. “A special player and a better man!”

Gabriel’s post-retirement life was filled with varied pursuits from sports broadcasting on CBS to coaching stints at Cal Poly Pomona, the Boston Breakers of the USFL, and more. His charm and charisma even landed him several TV roles on shows like “Gilligan’s Island” and “Wonder Woman.”

Roman Gabriel’s legacy lives on through his children, Roman III, Ram Allen, Rory Jay, Brandon, and Amber Smigel, who continue to carry the torch of his towering legacy, as per the New York Times.