Vanessa Nakate to Open Giving Black Conference 2026 With Climate Justice Keynote
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United States Roman Gabriel was a pioneering NFL quarterback, the first Filipino-American to play in the league, who achieved MVP honors and later transitioned into coaching and broadcasting.
An organization founded by Roman Gabriel, aimed at empowering youth. His son, Roman Gabriel III, is the CEO.
The Los Angeles Rams produced a three-part miniseries honoring Asian-American sports hero and legend, Roman Gabriel Jr.
Gabriel was one of the faces of a charitable promotion for Shamrock Shakes that helped establish the first Ronald McDonald House in Philadelphia. He later helped open the first Ronald McDonald House in his home state of North Carolina.
Roman Ildonzo Gabriel Jr. was born on August 5, 1940, in Wilmington, North Carolina. He played college football at North Carolina State University, where he became a two-time All-American and two-time ACC Player of the Year in 1960 and 1961. Gabriel set 22 school records and nine conference records, throwing for 2,961 yards and 19 touchdowns. His jersey, number 18, was retired by NC State after his senior season, making him the first player in program history to receive this honor. In 1989, he was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame.
Gabriel was a highly sought-after prospect in the professional drafts, selected as the first overall pick in the 1962 AFL Draft by the Oakland Raiders and the second overall pick in the 1962 NFL Draft by the Los Angeles Rams. He chose to sign with the Rams, where he played for 11 seasons from 1962 to 1972. During his tenure with the Rams, Gabriel accumulated 22,223 passing yards and 154 touchdowns, earning three Pro Bowl selections (1967, 1968, 1969) and being named First-team All-Pro. He was notably awarded the NFL Most Valuable Player (MVP) in 1969. In 1970, the Rams qualified for the playoffs, reflecting Gabriel’s consistent performance.
In 1973, Gabriel was traded to the Philadelphia Eagles, where he played for five seasons until 1977. Despite injuries towards the end of his time with the Rams, he experienced a career resurgence with the Eagles, earning his fourth Pro Bowl selection and being named the PFWA Comeback Player of the Year in 1973. That season, he led the NFL in passing yards with 3,219 and touchdowns with 23. Gabriel continued to hold an active role in football after his playing career, coaching at Cal Poly Pomona (1980–1982), serving as offensive coordinator for the Boston Breakers (1983) and head coach for the Raleigh–Durham Skyhawks (1991). He also worked as a broadcast color commentator for CBS television, CBS Radio, and the Carolina Panthers. Gabriel passed away on April 20, 2024, at the age of 83.
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