Rams Legend Roman Gabriel Has Died

LOS ANGELES — Roman Gabriel, the record-breaking Rams quarterback who later played for the Eagles, has died.

Gabriel died at home Saturday morning of natural causes, his son, Roman Gabriel III, said in a social media post, adding that the family asked for prayers and privacy.

The NFL's first Filipino-American quarterback and the 1969 league MVP, Gabriel was the Rams' No. 2 draft pick in 1962 and holds the team record with 154 touchdown passes, according to the Associated Press, which reported he was 83 and had recently been living in the Carolinas.

"We mourn the loss of Rams legend and football pioneer, Roman Gabriel," the team said in a post on social media. "We extend our condolences to his family and friends during this difficult time."

Gabriel played at North Carolina State before spending 11 years with the Rams and five with the Eagles, according to the Associated Press.

"Gabe was an amazing player and an even better mentor," Ron Jaworski, a former NFL quarterback who played for the Rams and the Eagles around the same time, posted on social media. "Words can’t explain my thanks for what a great teammate he was. A special player and a better man!"

Between 1967 and 1970, Gabriel led the Rams to two division titles and a 41-14-4 record, according to the Associated Press, before he joined the Eagles in 1973, leading the NFL with 3,219 yards and 23 touchdown passes.

In retirement, he called NFL games for CBS, dabbled in acting and held several coaching positions, including at Cal Poly Pomona, the Associated Press reported.