Roman Gabriel, a renowned figure in the chronicles of the National Football League (NFL), died at his residence on April 20, 2024, aged 83. His impactful career, predominantly with the Los Angeles Rams and the Philadelphia Eagles, made a lasting imprint on professional football.
Roman Gabriel III, his son, announced his father’s demise on the social media platform “X.” He conveyed his grief and asked for prayers and privacy for the family, and signed off with a heartfelt note: “I love you, Dad.”
Raised in Wilmington, North Carolina, Gabriel’s athletic skill was apparent from his time at New Hanover High School where he shone in football, basketball, and baseball. He chose football and enrolled at North Carolina State University (NCSU), earning the title of All-American twice before being drafted into the NFL in 1962.
During his spell with the Los Angeles Rams, where he spent 11 seasons, Gabriel’s career blossomed. He was noted for his powerful throw and competitive drive. He steered the Rams to several victorious seasons, including a remarkable 11-1-2 record in 1967. He was awarded NFL MVP in 1969. His time with the Rams saw him set numerous records and earn four Pro Bowl selections.
After a string of injuries during his final seasons with the Rams, Gabriel was traded to the Philadelphia Eagles before the 1973 season. The Eagles traded Harold Jackson, a star receiver, and two first-round draft picks to the Rams for the former MVP. At 33, Gabriel’s move to Philadelphia breathed new life into his career. Across 53 games with the Eagles, he threw for 7,221 yards and 47 touchdowns, earned his fourth Pro Bowl nod, and was named the Pro Football Writers of America Comeback Player of the Year.
In the remarkable 1973 season, Gabriel, standing 6’5″ tall, was supported by an impressive group of receivers known as the “Fire High Gang.” This included towering figures like Hall of Famer Harold Carmichael (6’8″), tight end Charle Young (6’5″), and wide receiver Don Zimmerman (6’4″). The team helped Gabriel attain career peaks with 270 completions and 3,219 passing yards, leading the league in both statistics and scoring the most passing touchdowns with 24.
Gabriel wrapped up his NFL career with the Eagles in 1977, marking his 16th and last season. In the annals of the Eagles, he ranks ninth in completion percentage (55.8), tenth in passing attempts (1,185), and thirteenth in passing yards (7,221).
In 1989, Gabriel was welcomed into the College Football Hall of Fame. At NC State, he was named Atlantic Coast Conference Player of the Year twice, was the first ACC quarterback to surpass 1,000 yards in a season, and was part of NC State’s inaugural athletic Hall of Fame class in 2012.
Off the field, Gabriel actively participated in charitable work. In 1974, motivated by his teammate Fred Hill, whose daughter was fighting leukemia, Gabriel helped establish the first Ronald McDonald House. This effort provided a place to stay for families while their children received treatment at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. Gabriel played a critical role in fundraising through a McDonald’s campaign, leading to the opening of the first Ronald McDonald House in the nation. Encouraged by this accomplishment, Gabriel later assisted in launching the first Ronald McDonald House in North Carolina.
Following his passing, his former team, the Los Angeles Rams, issued a statement: “Roman was a true pioneer and one of the best ever to play the game. He was a leader on the field and a gentleman off of it.”
Despite his considerable contributions, Gabriel was never inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, a fact that continues to spark debate among sports analysts and enthusiasts.
