Roman Gabriel, the first NFL quarterback of Flipino-American descent, died last Saturday, April 20, 2024. His son, Roman Gabriel III announced his senior’s passing on social media, mentioning he “passed away peacefully this morning of natural causes at his home.” The 1969 MVP was 83 years old.
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
— Roman Gabriel 3 (@RomanGabriel3rd) April 20, 2024
The North Carolina State alumnus was a two-time Atlantic Coast Conference Player of the Year recipient, who went second in the 1962 NFL draft to the Los Angeles Rams. Throughout his 16-year tenure professionally, Gabriel managed four Pro Bowl appearances (1967-69, 1973) and the NFL’s Comeback Player of the Year award in 1973 for his convincing facilitating display.
At 6-foot-5 and 235 pounds—large for a quarterback then, he led the league in passing touchdowns (1969, 1973) and yardage (1973), supporting his first (1969) and second-team (1967-1968) All-Pro selections. He was traded to Philadelphia in 1973 after acquiring John Hadl from the San Diego Chargers and was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1989.
Gabriel remained intact with football following his five-year stint with the Eagles. He briefly worked as a broadcaster for CBS and on the coaching staff for Cal Poly Pomona, USFL’s Boston Breakers, and Raleigh-Durham in the World League of American Football. He also previously dabbled in acting with appearances on “Skidoo,” “The Undefeated,” “Gilligan’s Island,” and “Wonder Woman” among others.
