Roman Gabriel, former quarterback for the Rams and Eagles and 1969 NFL MVP, passes away at 83

Former NFL MVP and four-time Pro Bowl quarterback Roman Gabriel passed away at the age of 83, leaving behind a legacy of excellence on the football field. Gabriel, who played for the Los Angeles Rams and Philadelphia Eagles during his 16-year NFL career, was known for his impressive passing skills and leadership on the field.

Gabriel’s standout season came in 1969 when he won the MVP award after throwing for 2,549 yards and 24 touchdowns for the Rams. His 154 career touchdown passes with the Rams remain a franchise record to this day. Despite his individual success, Gabriel’s teams struggled in the postseason, with losses in the divisional round in 1967 and 1969.

Despite his impressive career statistics, Gabriel has yet to be inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, a fact that has puzzled many fans and analysts. His 29,444 passing yards and 201 touchdowns over 16 seasons are comparable to Hall of Fame quarterbacks like Bob Griese, Bart Starr, and Roger Staubach, all of whom have Super Bowl championships to their names.

After retiring from the NFL, Gabriel dabbled in broadcasting and coaching, showcasing his passion for the game both on and off the field. His impact on the sport will not be forgotten, and his contributions to football will be remembered by fans and players alike. Gabriel’s passing marks the end of an era in football history, but his legacy will continue to inspire future generations of athletes.