By Lydia Jane Allison

FROM WIKIPEDIA COMMONS

Roman Ildonzo Gabriel Jr. (August 5, 1940 – April 20, 2024) was an American professional football player who was a quarterback in the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the NC State Wolfpack, twice earning first-team All-American honors. Gabriel was the second overall pick in the 1962 NFL draft and played for the Los Angeles Rams for 11 seasons then five years for the Philadelphia Eagles. He was notable for being the first NFL quarterback of Filipino-American descent, as well as winning the NFL Most Valuable Player (MVP) award in 1969.

Gabriel died in Little River, South Carolina, on April 20, 2024, at the age of 83.

Professional career

Gabriel was the number one 1962 AFL draft pick, chosen by the Oakland Raiders, and was the number 2 1962 NFL draft pick, selected by the Los Angeles Rams. Gabriel signed with the Rams and went on to a distinguished professional career.

Gabriel wore the number 18 with the Rams and the number 5 with the Philadelphia Eagles. Gabriel played 16 seasons in the NFL, splitting time with the Los Angeles Rams from 1962 to 1972 and then the Philadelphia Eagles from 1973 to 1977. He was awarded the NFL Most Valuable Player Award in 1969 and earned Pro Bowl spots in 1967, 1968, 1969, and 1973. When he retired, he ranked as the Rams’ all-time passing leader with 22,223 yards and 154 touchdowns (1,705 com./3,313 att.) and threw for 7,221 yards and 45 touchdowns (661 com./1,185 att.) with the Eagles. In 1973, he led the NFL with 3,219 yards and 23 touchdown passes, for which he was awarded the NFL Comeback Player of the Year Award. As of the end of the 2016 NFL season, he still holds the Rams’ career records for touchdown passes (154), passes attempted (3,313), and wins by a starting quarterback (74).