Rams honor first Fil-Am quarterback in NFL at preseason opener

Roman Gabriel / Photo courtesy of LA Rams

INGLEWOOD, Calif. – The Rams honored Roman Gabriel – the record-setting first Filipino American quarterback in the NFL – as the “Legend of the Game” at Sunday’s preseason opener against the Dallas Cowboys at SoFi Stadium, nearly four months after his death at age 83.

A tribute video was played during the first quarter and Gabriel’s son, Roman Gabriel III, was interviewed on the field to highlight his father’s legacy.

Gabriel threw a team-record 154 touchdown passes for the Rams from 1962-72. He also holds the team record for victories by a starting quarterback, 74.

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 selected Gabriel with the second pick of the 1962 NFL draft, behind Heisman Trophy- winning running back Ernie Davis.

After splitting time as the starter with Zeke Bratkowski and Bill Munson during his first four seasons with the team, first-year coach George Allen made Gabriel the starter in 1966, and he guided the team to an 8-6 record, its first winning season since 1958.

The Rams won the Coastal Division title in 1967, reaching the playoffs for the first time since 1955, with Gabriel selected for the Pro Bowl for the first of three consecutive seasons.

Gabriel was selected as the NFL’s MVP in 1969 when he threw a league-leading 24 touchdown passes as the Rams won their first 11 games, but lost their final three regular-season games and first-round playoff game.

The Rams acquired John Hadl from the San Diego Chargers in 1973, with the intention of making him their starting quarterback. Gabriel requested a trade and was dealt to the struggling Philadelphia Eagles.

In his first season with the Eagles, Gabriel was voted Comeback Playerof the Year by sports writers after he tied for the league-lead in touchdown passes, led in passing yards and completions and was selected for the Pro Bowl.

Gabriel rejoined the Rams — as did Allen — in 1978 after becoming a free agent, drew rave reviews for his play in two minicamps, but was waived after failing a physical because of what he said was arthritis in a leg.

Following his playing career, Gabriel was an analyst on CBS’ NFL telecasts in 1978 and 1979, coached Cal Poly Pomona from 1980-82, was the offensive coordinator for the Boston Breakers of the United States Football League in 1983 and coach of the Raleigh-Durham Skyhawks of the World League of American Football in 1991. (With CNS report)