Roman Gabriel passed away today — April 20, 2024 — at the age of 83.
Gabriel was the MVP of the NFL in 1969. He was a four-time Pro-Bowler. To this day, he holds many L.A. Rams passing records.
Should he at long last be inducted into the Hall of Fame – – posthumously?
Roman Gabriel – Early Days
Gabriel was born in 1940 in Wilmington, North Carolina. His father immigrated to the United States from the Philippines. His mother was Irish-American. Growing up, Gabriel suffered from asthma and was frequently sick. However, he blossomed, growing into a 6’4″, 235-lb. frame.
He played college football at North Carolina State. He was twice a first-team All-American. His jersey number (18) has been retired by North Carolina State.
Stellar NFL Career
The Rams made Gabriel the No. 2 overall pick in the 1962 NFL Draft.
He went on to play 16 seasons in the NFL — from 1962 to 1972 with the Rams, and from 1973 to 1977 with the Philadelphia Eagles.
He twice led the NFL in touchdown passes. In 1969, he was the league MVP and a first-team All-Pro.
Throughout eight seasons, he made 89 consecutive starts for the Rams.
In his initial season with the Eagles — 1973 — Gabriel was named NFL Comeback Player of the Year, after bouncing back from injuries that plagued him in his last couple years with the Rams.
In his career, he passed for nearly 30,000 yards and over 200 touchdowns.
Gabriel’s size and strength made him very difficult to sack, and his 3.3 career interception percentage was the best of all time when he retired.
Following news of Gabriel’s passing, the Rams put out a tweet on X, mourning the loss.
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. pic.twitter.com/NY6y6ddm1x
— Los Angeles Rams (@RamsNFL) April 20, 2024
Controversially, Gabriel Has Not Yet Been Inducted in the Hall of Fame
In 2020, Sports Illustrated expressed the viewpoint that Gabriel “is still waiting for a long overdue call from the Pro Football Hall of Fame.”
Gabriel was inducted into the North Carolina Sports Hall of Fame in 1971 and the College Football Hall of Fame in 1989.
Widespread calls have gone out for his induction.
Roman Gabriel deserves to have his case heard by HOF voters says John Turney. Here’s why: https://t.co/SqNDq4ha2Z@theblood85 @WMoon1 @wyche89 @The_ChrisMyers @StevieAngeles @PabloTorre @Carl_Lewis @ChickenMan3010 @jimszoke @viccarucci
— Roman Gabriel for Pro Football Hall of Fame (@RGabriel4HOF) July 12, 2023
Why wait? The Hall should induct him as soon as possible.
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1 Comment
RIP! And, yes, he should be in the Hall of Fame.