The football landscape suffered a profound loss this Saturday with the passing of Roman Gabriel, the formidable former quarterback of the Los Angeles Rams. Blessed with an extraordinary physique and a formidable arm, Gabriel was undeniably a titan of the gridiron. The 6-foot-5, 235-pound behemoth, whose stature far surpassed that of his contemporaries, was the No. 2 draft pick in 1962. Despite having played during an era dominated by ground tactics, he nevertheless managed to secure an impressive Rams’ team record of 154 touchdown passes.

A pioneer in his own right, Gabriel was the first Filipino-American quarterback in the NFL, earning the distinction of league MVP in 1969. Gabriel’s longevity continued long after retiring from his illustrious NFL career. At a ripe age of 83, Gabriel made his departure from this world, leaving an indelible mark on the landscape of American Football.

His son, Roman Gabriel III, took to social media to announce the news of his father’s passing. In a heartfelt message, he disclosed that his father passed away peacefully, surrounded by the quiet comforts of his home, succumbing to natural causes.

Several years prior, in 2021, Gabriel admitted to the Los Angeles Times of his retirement, citing heart problems and arthritis. However, he still managed to maintain his spirits, articulating how he felt content splitting his time between Wilmington, North Carolina, and Little River, South Carolina.

“We mourn the loss of Rams legend and football pioneer, Roman Gabriel,” was the heartfelt message disseminated by the Rams across social media platforms.

Gabriel was a formidable presence not just in the NFL. His collegial career at North Carolina State was equally storied. A two-time player of the year in the Atlantic Coast Conference, Gabriel was later inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1989.

Vince Lombardi, the esteemed Green Bay coach, was once quoted by the Los Angeles Times referring to Gabriel as “a big telephone pole”. This description aptly conveyed Gabriel’s towering presence on the field.

Gabriel’s career spanned 16 years; eleven impactful years with the Rams and a further five with the Philadelphia Eagles. Upon his departure from the Rams, he was traded to the Philadelphia Eagles following the acquisition of John Hadl by the Rams.

Accolades came pouring in from all quarters following the announcement of his demise. Retired quarterback Ron Jaworski, who was backed up by Gabriel in his final season with the Eagles, posted a heartfelt tribute. “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!”

Post-retirement, Gabriel ventured into broadcasting, briefly calling NFL games for CBS. His love for the game saw him take up coaching, which included tenures at Cal Poly Pomona, for the Boston Breakers of the USFL and Raleigh-Durham in the World League of American Football.

Gabriel’s talents were not confined to the football field. He had minor engagements with Hollywood, featuring in films such as “Skidoo” and “The Undefeated,” and adding TV shows like “Gilligan’s Island,” “Perry Mason,” “Ironside” and “Wonder Woman” to his eclectic resume. Not to mention the noble cause of joining Bob Hope on a USO tour of Vietnam.

With his passing, Gabriel leaves behind a cherished legacy, propellor of a family that cherishes his memory, and scores of fans who will eternally remember him as a titan on the football field.