“Rest in Peace”: NFL Community Mourns the Passing of Ram Legend and College Football Hall of Famer Roman Gabriel

It’s a sad day for the Los Angeles Rams community as they lose one of their own. Coming out as an elite player from NC State, Roman Gabriel left his trail in LA as a No. 2 pick, where he eventually struggled with a 19-17-1 record in the first five years. But in 1967, he became worthy of the initial hype when he led the Rama to an 11-1-2 record with 2,779 yards, 25 TDs, and 13 interceptions. 

Gabriel won the NFL MVP in 1969, leading his team to an 11-3 record. He was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1989. His college also exalted him into the inaugural NC State Athletic Hall of Fame class in 2012. After retiring in 1978, he has come to the end of his life’s journey in 2024.

Roman Gabriel breathed his last at 83

Roman Gabriel died of natural causes at 83, as reported by his son. As the news of his death was announced, the LA Rams posted 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.” It touched and shocked the hearts of several people, including a former Rams teammate, Ron Jaworski, who wrote, “RIP Roman Gabriel. Gabe was an amazing player and an even better mentor. Words can’t explain my thanks for what a great teammate he was. A special player and a better man!“

Roman Gabriel was a No. 2 overall pick by the Rams in the 1962 NFL Draft. He primarily played for the Rams for 11 seasons before joining the Philadelphia Eagles in 1973. Gabriel posted a record of 29,444 passing yards, 201 TDs, and 149 interceptions in his football career. He remains the record holder for the Rams as a passing TD leader with 154 TDs. His demise has left a deep void in the hearts of fans who loved this first NFL QB of Filipino-American descent.

Fans are shattered by the demise of the Rams legend

The saddening news took a toll on the state of his massive followers with one commenting, “RIP, Rams legend. A true icon.” Gabriel was responsible for turning people into Rams fans with his talent on the field. A fan posted, “Roman Gabriel was one of the reasons that I became a Rams fan. Condolences and prayers to his family and friends. #18 #RIP.”

His influence on the younger generation was evident when another person posted, “When I was a kid my buddies and I always had to flip a coin or arm wrestle as to “who would be” Roman Gabriel when we played backyard football games. Rest in Peace 18.”

The influence further spans when another fan commented, “Saddened by the loss of my first football hero. #18 was one tough Cat!”

A true football legend and a wonderful human being, Roman Gabriel will be missed by all those who know and love him.