Rams honor first Filipino-American quarterback in NFL at preseason opener

Roman Gabriel / Photo courtesy of LA Rams

INGLEWOOD, Calif. – The Rams honored Roman Gabriel – the first Filipino-American quarterback to set an NFL record – as the “Legend of the Game” in 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 to 1972. He also holds the team record for wins by a starting quarterback, 74.

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After 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 in the 1962 NFL draft, behind Heisman Trophy-winning running back Ernie Davis.

After splitting time as a starter with Zeke Bratkowski and Bill Munson during his first four seasons with the team, first-year coach George Allen named 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 to the Pro Bowl for the first of three consecutive seasons.

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

The Rams acquired John Hadl from the San Diego Chargers in 1973, intending to make 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 Player of the Year by sportswriters after tying for the league lead in touchdown passes, leading in passing yards and completions, and being selected to the Pro Bowl.

Gabriel rejoined the Rams, as did Allen, in 1978 after becoming a free agent, received rave reviews for his play in two minicamps, but was released after failing a physical due to what he said was arthritis in his leg.

After his playing career, Gabriel was an analyst on CBS NFL broadcasts in 1978 and 1979, coached at Cal Poly Pomona from 1980 to 1982, was offensive coordinator for the Boston Breakers of the American Football League in 1983 and coach of the Raleigh-Durham Skyhawks of the World League of American Football in 1991. (With reporting from CNS)

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