Roman Gabriel, an iconic figure in National Football League (NFL) history, passed away peacefully at his home on April 20, 2024, at 83. The quarterback left an indelible mark on professional football, particularly with the Los Angeles Rams and the Philadelphia Eagles.
Roman Gabriel III announced his passing on the social media platform “X.” He expressed his sadness and requested prayers and privacy for the family, ending his message with a personal note: “I love you, Dad.”
Born in Wilmington, North Carolina, Gabriel’s athletic prowess was evident from his high school days at New Hanover High School, where he excelled in football, basketball, and baseball. Opting for football, he attended North Carolina State University (NCSU), where he was twice named an All-American before being drafted into the NFL in 1962.
In the NFL, Gabriel’s career flourished with the Los Angeles Rams, where he spent 11 seasons and became known for his strong arm and competitive spirit. He led the Rams to multiple winning seasons, including a notable 11-1-2 record in 1967, and was named NFL MVP in 1969. His tenure with the Rams established numerous records and garnered four Pro Bowl selections.
Injuries during his last seasons with the Rams made Roman Gabriel available for trade, leading to his acquisition by the Philadelphia Eagles before the 1973 season. The Eagles traded star receiver Harold Jackson and two first-round draft picks to the Rams for the former MVP. At age 33, Gabriel’s transfer to Philadelphia revitalized his career. Over 53 games with the Eagles, he passed for 7,221 yards and 47 touchdowns, earned his fourth Pro Bowl appearance, and was named the Pro Football Writers of America Comeback Player of the Year.
During his standout 1973 season, Gabriel, standing 6’5″ tall, threw to a notable group of receivers dubbed the “Fire High Gang,” which included towering figures like Hall of Famer Harold Carmichael (6’8″), tight end Charle Young (6’5″), and wide receiver Don Zimmerman (6’4″). This team helped Gabriel achieve career highs with 270 completions and 3,219 passing yards, topping the league in both categories and leading in passing touchdowns with 24.
Gabriel concluded his NFL career with the Eagles in 1977, which marked his 16th and final season. In the Eagles’ history, 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 inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame. At NC State, he was twice named Atlantic Coast Conference Player of the Year, became the first ACC quarterback to pass for over 1,000 yards in a season, and was a part of NC State’s inaugural athletic Hall of Fame class in 2012.
Off the field, Gabriel was actively involved in charity work. In 1974, inspired by his teammate Fred Hill, whose daughter battled leukemia, Gabriel supported the creation of the first Ronald McDonald House. This initiative provided a nearby residence for families needing accommodations while their children underwent treatment at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. Gabriel’s efforts were pivotal in fundraising through a McDonald’s promotion, which led to the establishment of the first Ronald McDonald House in the country. Motivated by this success, Gabriel later helped open the first Ronald McDonald House in North Carolina.
His former team, The Los Angeles Rams, issued the following statement after his passing: “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 significant achievements, Gabriel was never inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, which has caused contention among many sports analysts and fans.