Legendary Los Angeles Rams Quarterback Roman Gabriel Passes Away at 83

Los Angeles Rams quarterback Roman Gabriel, a football pioneer and celebrated NFL legend, has passed away at the age of 83, the team confirmed in a statement on Saturday. The Rams expressed their condolences to Gabriel's family and friends during this difficult time.

Gabriel's son, Roman Gabriel III, revealed that his father passed away from natural causes at his home. The news of Gabriel's passing has brought a somber mood to the football community, as they reflect on his storied career and contributions to the sport.

In 1962, Gabriel had the opportunity to play in the AFL with the Oakland Raiders, who selected him as the No. 1 pick in the AFL Draft. However, he chose to join the Rams, who selected him with the No. 2 pick in the NFL Draft that year.

By the late 1960s, Gabriel had established himself as a star quarterback for the Rams. He earned Pro Bowl selections for three consecutive seasons from 1967 to 1969. In 1969, he received NFL MVP and All-Pro honors while leading the league in touchdown passes with 24. That year, the Rams started the season with an impressive 11-game win streak and finished with a record of 11-3, although they were ultimately defeated by the Minnesota Vikings in the divisional round.

After spending 11 seasons with the Rams, Gabriel made a move to the Philadelphia Eagles ahead of the 1973 season. His first season with the Eagles was remarkable, as he achieved his fourth Pro Bowl selection and won the Comeback Player of the Year award. Gabriel led the league in completions, passing touchdowns, and passing yards, with 27, 23, and 3,219 respectively.

Gabriel retired from the NFL in 1977 after five seasons with the Eagles, leaving behind an incredible legacy. Throughout his career, he accumulated an impressive 201 touchdowns for a total of 29,444 yards in 183 career games.

Following his playing career, Gabriel transitioned into coaching. He served as the head coach at Cal Poly Pomona from 1980 to 1982 and later worked as the offensive coordinator for the USFL's Boston Breakers in 1983. In recognition of his outstanding college football career, Gabriel was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1989.

The passing of Roman Gabriel has left a void in the football world, but his impact and contributions to the sport will never be forgotten. Fans and fellow athletes alike will remember him as a true legend of the game.