LA Rams pay tribute to first Fil-Am quarterback Roman Gabriel

North Carolina State quarterback Roman Gabriel is in the clutches of a UCLA player as another is driving in at left as he was stopped after an end sweep during an NCAA college football game Oct. 29, 1960, in Los Angeles. Gabriel, the former North Carolina State quarterback who was the 1969 NFL MVP with the Los Angeles Rams, died Saturday, April 20, 2024. He was 83. (AP Photo/Harold P. Matosian)

LOS ANGELES – As the month of May ushers in Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month, the Los Angeles Rams pay tribute to Asian American sports hero and legend – and the first Filipino American quarterback in the National Football League (NFL) – Roman Gabriel Jr.

“In Los Angeles, Gabriel was playing in front of one of the largest Filipino populations in America and became the first Filipino American sports superstar for many in the community,” the Rams said in its tribute to Gabriel, who died on April 20, 2024 at the age of 83.

The Rams produced a three-part miniseries honoring Gabriel, with episodes airing the first three Fridays in May on the Rams official channels including Instagram, X and Facebook.

The 𝐎𝐍𝐋𝐘 Asian American to win MVP in NFL history 🇵🇭

Remembering the iconic life of Roman Ildonzo Gabriel Jr. | Part 1 #AAPIHeritageMonth #NFLHeritage pic.twitter.com/Up0qS58zIr

— Los Angeles Rams (@RamsNFL) May 3, 2024

Gabriel played for 16 seasons, mostly with the LA Rams from 1962-1972.

Following a college career at North Carolina State that would lead to his election to the College Football Hall of Fame in 1989, the Rams made Gabriel the second pick of the 1962 NFL draft, behind Heisman Trophy-winning running back Ernie Davis.

Gabriel signed with the Rams, choosing them over the Oakland Raiders, who made Gabriel the first choice in the American Football League draft. He was the Rams’ starting quarterback from 1966 through 1972.

First and only Asian American MVP

In 1969, he became the NFL’s first and only Asian American MVP after throwing for 2,549 yards with 24 touchdown passes and five rushing scores and leading his team to an 11-3 record.

Gabriel, who played 11 seasons with the Rams, was inducted into the National Quarterback Hall of Fame in 2020. He currently holds the Rams’ team record as the all-time leader in passing touchdowns and wins by a starting quarterback.

After his 16-year NFL career, he earned four Pro Bowl spots and the Comeback Player of the Year award.

“While Gabriel passed away on April 20, 2024, he continues to inspire generations through the representation barriers he broke and the NFL and collegiate records he holds,” the Rams said.

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

Celebrating Roman Gabriel’s timeless legacy

“The entire Rams organization mourns the loss of Roman Gabriel,” said Los Angeles Rams Chief Marketing Officer Kathryn Kai-ling Frederick. “Given Roman’s place in NFL history as the first Filipino American quarterback, we wanted to spotlight his story as part of our celebration of the AAPI community. We hope this miniseries inspires others to play the game while celebrating Roman’s timeless legacy.”

Photo courtesy of LA Rams

Three-part miniseries

Part one of the social series takes viewers through Gabriel’s childhood, his college football experience, the 1962 NFL Draft and his time on the Rams while spotlighting his 1969 MVP season.

Part two highlights Gabriel’s accomplishments on the field and his acting career. The athlete appeared in Hollywood movies and television shows such as “Gilligan’s Island” and “The Undefeated” starring John Wayne.

Part three spotlights Gabriel’s Filipino heritage, featuring interviews with his son, Roman Gabriel III.

The series was produced by the Los Angeles Rams Studios in partnership with AMAZN HQ, North America’s leading social content network and community gathering organization for Asians and Asian Americans in sports.

Pathways for recognition of Asian athletes

“Roman Gabriel Jr. is one of the greatest Asian American sports trailblazers our community has ever seen,” said AMAZN HQ Founder and CEO Pranav Iyer.

“However, to this day, very few know the story about his heritage, cultural pride and barrier-breaking feats. We hope that through this series we shed light on the Gabriel family and celebrate the iconic life of Roman Gabriel Jr.”

AMAZN HQ strives to create new narratives to open pathways for recognition of Asian athletes “through transformative first-of-a-kind sports media coverage, community-building events and culturally driven athlete marketing.”

Celebrating AAPI Heritage Month in May, the Rams said it will continue to honor the AAPI community by shining the spotlight on staff on their website each week. They will also host a virtual career panel discussion in partnership with EVERFI featuring members of the Rams AAPI Employee Resource Community.

In addition, the Rams will host football clinics and Rams Readers events throughout Asian American communities in Los Angeles.