Former NFL quarterback and football pioneer, Roman Gabriel, passed away at 83, on a Saturday morning.
Former NFL quarterback Roman Gabriel dies at 83. https://t.co/RIowwSA3zX
— ProFootballTalk (@ProFootballTalk) April 20, 2024
His son, Roman Gabriel III, made the heartbreaking announcement via a social media platform, previously known as Twitter.
According to Gabriel III’s message on social media, his father died peacefully of natural causes at home.
He implored the public to respect their family’s privacy during this challenging time and asked for prayers.
“I am sad to announce my father Roman Gabriel 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.”
The Rams also took to X Formerly known as Twitter to Mourn one of their Own Legend and football pioneer Roman Gabriel.
“We mourn the loss of Rams legend and football pioneer, Roman Gabriel,” the Rams said on X,
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
In an interview with the Los Angeles Times in 2021, Gabriel candidly shared his heart problems and arthritis.
Despite his health issues, Gabriel claimed to be content with his retirement, splitting his time between Wilmington, North Carolina, and Little River, South Carolina.
“I am retired with heart problems and arthritis but happy.” Gabriel told the Los Angeles Times.
Gabriel’s career began at North Carolina State during the period of 1959-61. After his successful tenure there, Gabriel was the highly sought-after No. 1 overall pick in the AFL and the No. 2 overall pick in the NFL draft in 1962.
Turning down the AFL’s Raiders, he signed with the NFL’s Rams, marking the start of an illustrious career.
At the peak of his career, Gabriel was a Pro Bowler for three consecutive years from 1967 to ’69.
The peak was in 1969 when he earned the league’s highest honors with All-Pro and MVP honors.
Gabriel secured a league-best 24 touchdowns and had an impressive passing yard of 2,549 during his MVP season when the Rams stood victorious with a score of 11-3.
Gabriel’s career further unfolded over five seasons with the Eagles post his stellar 11-season tenure with the Rams.
His distinguished career feats included 29,444 passing yards, 201 touchdowns, and 149 interceptions.
To this day, he remains the Rams’ all-time career leader with 154 touchdown passes.
