The Los Angeles Rams are in mourning today following the passing of legendary quarterback Roman Gabriel. He was 83 years old.
Taking to X on Saturday, the Rams offered their condolences to Gabriel’s family and friends following his passing. Gabriel played for the team from 1962 to 1972, during which he made three Pro Bowls and won the NFL MVP award in 1969.
“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,” the team said.
Gabriel was the No. 2 overall pick in the 1962 NFL Draft by the Rams and the No. 1 overall pick by the Oakland Raiders in the AFL Draft. He picked the Rams, and after a few rough years to start his career, he really came into his own in the late-60s.
Between 1967 and 1969, Gabriel went 32-7-3 as a starter, throwing for 68 touchdowns against 36 interceptions. His masterpiece was the 1969 season, when he went 11-3 as a starter while completing 54.4-percent of his passes for a league-high 24 touchdowns with just seven interceptions.
The Rams traded Gabriel to the Philadelphia Eagles in 1973 and Gabriel went on to have one of the best seasons of his career. He led the league in completions, attempts, yards and touchdowns that season, earning the fourth and final Pro Bowl of his career and earned Comeback Player of the Year honors from Pro Football Weekly.
Gabriel went into broadcasting, coaching and acting after retiring.