1969 NFL MVP Roman Gabriel died Saturday at the age of 83.
Gabriel’s son Roman III announced his father’s death in a social media post, saying he “passed away peacefully” at home of natural causes.
“We mourn the passing of Rams legend and football pioneer Roman Gabriel. We extend our condolences to his family and friends during this difficult time,” the Rams said in a statement. Post to Xformerly Twitter.
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Roman Gabriel of the Los Angeles Rams attempts to throw a pass against the Green Bay Packers during the 1967 NFL Championship at Milwaukee County Stadium in Milwaukee, December 23, 1967. (James Drake/Sports Illustrated via Getty Images)
Gabriel played at North Carolina State and was twice named ACC Player of the Year.
He became the first ACC quarterback to throw for 1,000 yards in consecutive seasons, and the Rams selected him with the No. 2 pick in the NFL Draft during his first stint in Los Angeles. They selected Hall of Fame defensive tackle Marlin Olsen with their next selection.
Gabriel spent his first 11 seasons with the Rams and remains the franchise’s all-time leader in passing touchdowns with 154. His 22,223 yards are third most behind Jim Everett and Mark Bulger.
Roman Gabriel of the Los Angeles Rams plays against the Dallas Cowboys at the Cotton Bowl on October 1, 1967 in Dallas, Texas. Gabriel played for the Rams from 1962 to 1972. (Focus on Sports/Getty Images)
He made the Pro Bowl three years in a row from 1967 to 1969, but it was the ’69 season that set him apart from other QBs in the league.
He threw an NFL-high 24 touchdowns and led the Rams to an 11-3 season, but lost to the Minnesota Vikings in the divisional round.
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The Rams traded Gabriel to the Philadelphia Eagles in 1973, and he spent the final five seasons of his career in Philadelphia, supporting Ron Jaworski for the final two seasons.
In his first season with the Birds, he led the NFL with 3,219 passing yards and 23 touchdowns and was named the league’s Comeback Player of the Year by Pro Football Weekly.
He was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1989.
Roman Gabriel of the Los Angeles Rams steps down to make a pass during a game against the New York Jets at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on November 15, 1970 in Los Angeles. Gabriel played for the Rams from 1962 to 1972. (Focus on Sports/Getty Images)
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Gabriel also had acting roles in television and movies. His list of projects included the 1968 film Skidoo, starring Jackie Gleason, and the 1969 film Undefeated, starring John Wayne and Rock Hudson.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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