Roman Gabriel (1940 - 2024)

[@couleewildflowers]

The vision of Roman Gabriel in that blue & white Rams uniform is an epic icon of late '60's NFL

[@rockyracoon3233]

Wish the Rams would go back to those blue and white uniforms!

[@jimmarble1425]

@@rockyracoon3233 I'm a lifelong Niners fan. Loved those unis!

[@sl7430]

That late 60s uniform with the white horn is still the best rams uniform to this day.

[@thomasb.smithjr.8401]

Especially when it sat on the head of Deacon Jones ! 🏉🏉🏉

[@mikecumbo7531]

He was often running for his life.

[@boomerpo]

i feel as if another small piece of my childhood is gone RIP ROMAN GABRIEL

[@frankpulice7477]

Me too

[@MrOneHotDog]

Me too!

[@reubenblanco3021]

⁠yup we’re not 70 anymore !

[@Deep.Purple]

Same here...

[@GoodisBest4u]

I used to run around the yard pretending to be Roman Gabriel throwing TDs to myself... Great times back then...

[@KChiefs12]

One of my favorites as a kid. The perfect name for a QB. Rest in Peace sir.

[@terrysportsman2230]

I am 64. I always say I grew up in the best times to grow up. QBs with names like Roman Gabriel only confirms that notion. RIP Roman. A true icon!

[@MSDOGS1976]

Same here. I miss those days.

[@drkmriggs]

Love Coach Allen with the skinny black tie!

[@daveschlom4033]

Same age...same feelings. We used to ride our bikes all over LA from the Valley to over the hill. Dodger day games and bleacher seats. Nobody would let their kids do that now. Nor should they I suppose. Roman Gabriel to Jack Snow over the radio with Dick Enberg on the call. Those were the days my friend.

[@BrettBBarker]

Roman Gabriel has passed away at the age of 83. When I was a kid at school back in the 70’s I would always order “Scholastic” paperback books about NFL teams and players, especially Quarterbacks! “Roman Gabriel” was always such a cool sounding name to my 9 year old mind! Plus, he played with a one bar facemask, which made him look tough! Gabriel was retro before retro was cool! Roman Gabriel was a first round draft pick by the Los Angeles Rams out of North Carolina State in 1962. Gabriel was 6’ 4” and 225 lbs, huge for QB’s of that era! He was known for having one of the strongest throwing arms of his time. Roman Gabriel played 16 seasons in the NFL with the Los Angeles Rams and the Philadelphia Eagles from 1962 to 1977. Gabriel led the NFL twice in touchdown passes in 1969 and 1973. Rest in Peace QB Roman Gabriel, another memory of my childhood as time marches on.

[@NickL951]

My childhood hero also!

[@WayneDucote-lo6sp]

I seen him in a John Wayne movie! He was Great!!!

[@chrisbrimhall1613]

As a youngster in 1969 playing sandlot tackle football with my buddies…..Roman Gabriel and Jack Snow were GODS to us…..1969 was his MVP year

[@thelakeman5207]

Deacon Jones, Lamar Lundy, Rosey Grier and Merlin Olson. Later Roger Brown took over for Grier. Rams defense was legendary.

[@philiphatfield5666]

In the early 1990's, I worked as a security guard for six months at a business park in Charlotte that was nearly deserted on the weekends. I did three twelve hour shifts from 6pm to 6am on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. They gave me an old Chrysler K car for my patrol car and it barely drove! There was one office that usually had a light on and it was the office of a flag football team that was only in business for a year. A man was usually in this office on Saturday from about 6-8 p.m. and I would stop by during my hourly rounds to see how he was doing. This guy was handsome and intelligent and he seemed to love my visits. It took me a few weeks to realize that this was Roman Gabriel! The man used to bring me an iced tea and hamburger from Wendy's, since I was not allowed to leave the job site. I had a movie poster collection and I had a one-sheet from "The Undefeated", a John Wayne/Rock Hudson western in which Gabriel had a strong good role. Roman Gabriel signed this poster and I still have it. Roman raved about how Wayne and Hudson treated him and the others on the set. "Wayne could really play chess", said Roman. I stopped by his office one Saturday and the place was gutted-----the team had folded. Roman Gabriel was some kind of guy.

[@davevolskysbackdoor5673]

That is a great story.

[@atombomb31458]

wow--so cool...well --for those of us over 60 our athletes and musicians are going pretty fast...RIP Roman

[@flatlineracer3207]

OH NOOOOOO. I was dreading this day. My Favorite QB when I was a kid is gone. R.I.P. 😭😭😭

[@richardrand1537]

I loved that guy and always hoped the Rams would honor him

[@curtisedriver]

Thank You Sir! RIP Roman Gabriel ! The First NC State WolfPack QB Legend!!

[@michaelminard2524]

RIP, Roman Gabriel. I was a little boy when you played, but I remember you.

[@user-yc5ix7hn4y]

Roman Gabriel playing in the Colliseum! Passing to Jack Snow! Deacon Jones and the Fearsome Foursome! It was a great time to be kid in the 60's. Gabriel and Merlin Olsen had a Volkswagen dealership, and Gabriel did Burger King commercials, showing how to grip a Whopper.

[@MrOneHotDog]

Gabriel and Olsen Porsche on Ventura Blvd in Encino. I lived around the corner on Haskell.

[@dojocho1894]

seems like yesterday......where did it go?

[@nixpixmusic]

RIP to the man who introduced me to the game of football and made me a RAMS FAN FOR LIFE. He was the toughest QB to ever LIVE...ROMAN GABRIEL...Died on my FATHERS' BIRTHDAY.

[@chrisbotelho7212]

He was uber tough. Most of my Roman Gabriel memories are of other players bouncing off of him. He was tough and he was great.

[@RussLudwig]

RIP to a heck of a QB. Thanks Dave for this tribute

[@gdobie1west988]

Gabriel was the reason I became a Rams fan back in the late 60's, so many fond memories of years past. Thanks Dave as usual for your hard work and a great tribute to Roman Gabriel.

[@Dean-qt3rp]

One of my childhood heroes. Another gone. Dickey Betts 2 days ago. Roman Gabriel today. Requiescat en pace, may the archangel Gabriel guide you to the gates of heaven.

[@ericgrant9437]

Forever burned into my memory. Life is short....decidedly so. Almost to the point of emotional numbness with each new passing.

[@CarlosReyes-qe2iq]

Before long, the cohort of pro football players from the 1960s, will all be gone.

[@amdg2023]

I feel the same way, let's pray there is joy in the next life AMDG.

[@3243_]

May Roman Gabriel rest in peace. May his family and friends be healed and comforted.

[@mikeyshouseofbrakes8463]

It's getting sad to look at my football cards from the 1970s. Many of those football players are gone.

[@user-ck7ki5ju9w]

Warren Moon mentioned Gabriel in his HOF speech. RIP

[@user-ck7ki5ju9w]

Chiefs HC Andy Reid who also grew up in LA also played HS football during the same period as Moon ..... ( they are about the same age ) also looked up to Roman Gabriel

[@magellaniclight9098]

AIH ....always in heaven ❤. Love you Roman Gabriel...... One of the best.

[@bruinjer]

Roman Gabriel was a god in Southern California in the 1960s. Koufax, Drysdale and Roman Gabriel ruled LA! RIP

[@perfumegoose]

Living in Tennessee in those years, YES

[@richardmorris6365]

Kapp just passed last yr now my boy Roman. He made football fun & him & Deacon were the reason I was a fan. Rip

[@andynaz5631]

Kapp, Gabriel, Morten, Nammoth, Unitas, Starr, Jergenson, lots if greats up there in the late 60s.

[@Joaquin-227]

He was a very tough player and could with physicality evade pass rushers. RIP Mr. Gabriel.

[@jimaltergott9326]

RIP Roman Gabriel 😢 Thank you so much for posting this. Watching these old NFL Films highlight reels with the classic music brings back a flood of childhood memories. This is pro football I totally relate to! The game I loved and remember today, sometimes with a tear in my eye. Thanks again, Jim

[@jimshaffer1780]

Players weren't a bunch of Prima Donna look at me types like in today's game. They had a quiet power back then.👍

[@BaddogSports]

Roman Gabriel should’ve been in The NFL HOF long ago!

[@purplesprigs]

It is the Hall of FAME, not of excellence. Gabriel threw 52 more touchdowns than interceptions. Joe Loser Boozebag threw more interceptions than touchdowns. I grew up watching the Jets with my Dad. He would sit there and say, "Namath is horrible." He was a horrible player with a big mouth.

[@rustyshackleford1114]

@@purplesprigs Sounds like your old man never loved you.

[@patricksmith5282]

@@rustyshackleford1114sounds like his “old man” was right.

[@akbarlebowitz8151]

@@purplesprigs Joe Willie was a great QB before he tore up his knee in HS.

[@larryaldama1673]

🏉👍🇺🇸

[@dantheman5745]

Oh no. I'm sorry to hear Gabriel passed away. One of the very first QBs I was aware of as a kid. My 2nd-oldest brother was a Rams fan and had a watercolor Rams poster that prominently featured #18. I thought his name sounded really cool too. Thanks for putting this tribute together, Dave. You are one of a kind and a tremendous steward of the NFL from days gone by.

[@derricklowe2823]

Same here, only HE was the first Quarterback I was made aware of because my Dad was a football fan and we lived in Los Angeles and I went to my first football game at the LA Coliseum. I can still remember those blue and white helmets and jerseys before they switched to yellow, blue, and white. Also, I remember hearing the stadium announcer calling out 3 names in particular, #18 Roman Gabriel, #34 Les Josephson, and #84 Jack Snow. RIP Mr Gabriel 🏈 .

[@bravescountry2798]

Ditto. He was one of my earliest recollections of an NFL player. I think because of his “cool” name, as mentioned in an earlier comment. Unfortunately, not many players of this era still around. Always kind of considered them timeless and invincible.

[@BigRenner]

Early October 1967 .. Cotton Bowl .. Cowboys host Roman Gabriel and the Rams. As an 11 year old Dallas fan at the game .. Don Meredith was my hero. BUT .. I was very fortunate to meet Roman before the game [not uncommon back then]. Roman disassembled my Cowboys - a real thrashing. Roman was my alternate favorite hero after that game. I can remember thinking .. "Wow .. this guy is so big ..!" Such a tough player. Today's players pale in comparison. Dave .. you bring back such wonderful memories for us kids of the 60's ..!

[@Bruce12867]

R.I.P. Roman Gabriel. Great tribute.

[@Kodiak8066]

Thank you Roman for all you are and were.. from a little boy who always had to be #18, who idolized you and never stopped. Rest in Peace Roman.. you deserve it.

[@johnthecrouton]

Simply the toughest to ever play the QB position! RIP Roman

[@AlRedsoxFan]

Rest In Peace Roman Gabriel

[@bravescountry2798]

Thanks again Dave for posting this. Good memories to hang on to. You’ve provided a fountain of youth to those of us who first became acquainted with the NFL as kids of the early 70’s. Was a great time to be a kid and a football fan.

[@smilanesi98]

RIP😢 A true warrior that made our Sundays very special❤

[@2095yourstruly]

My all time favorite Quarterback. The epitome of competitor and professionalism. God bless him and his family. Thank you for this tribute.

[@robertguerrero8009]

Great Tribute to a great NFL player, thanks for the memories Roman, RIP...

[@tedlee2861]

To great memories as a little boy watching you play as I grew up. Rip romen Gabriel 🙏😊

[@MaureenLeneghan]

That’s my Dad!!! The fan clapping at minute 12:17. He’s 77 now. We’ve actually seen a different clip of him from that game but never this one!

[@michaelarmenta8289]

Thanks for this tribute to Roman Gabriel #18. As a kid, I was heart broken when the Rams traded him. He was big , tough, and always gave 100 %. RIP Mr. Gabriel.

[@artdutcher]

Growing up in LA, who can remember Roman Gabriel and his ability to shed tacklers while delivering the football. One of my childhood heroes. Sad Day

[@barrye5376]

Great Compilation on Gabriel - Perhaps Unheralded -Maybe Posthumously Inducted Thank You for this Memories of my youth!

[@jeffreybanks0519]

RIP Roman Gabriel. I love that single bar facemask white Eagle helmet.

[@JRZEKE99]

I had the privilege of meeting Roman a couple of times. Really a great person! I asked him if he was disappointed in going to the Eagles. He said Philly treated him really great! Chuck Knox had taken over in LA and wanted John Hadl. Roman only got to the playoffs twice and it was in GB to the eventual SB Champions and in Minnesota to the eventual NFL Champions.

[@randomhuman19]

1967 Rams were legit. 3 points from going undefeated regular season.

[@ldfreitas9437]

Yeah, the 49ers beat them at the Coliseum.

[@williamwest3782]

Thank you for this outstanding post of Roman Gabriel! And of course such videos are a joy to watch when they are narrated by The Incomparable John Facenda and they include classic NFL Films music!

[@tonyandreoli8180]

Damn! I miss those decades of football. RIP Mr. Roman.

[@skee19]

RIP Roman you were my first sports idol❤

[@JWD1992]

Had two different seasons leading the league in TD passes and interception rate-with different teams (Rams in '69, then Eagles in '73). The second time, he also led the league in passing yards. He had the best interception rate (tied with Staubach) despite also throwing more passes than anyone else. Yeah, I'm going to say what I always seem to say: underrated. Super underrated.

[@sec9788]

My dad had a SI poster of him (and another of Alex Karras) from the late 1960’s. Big cool photo type pics too; No festooned NFL/Rams logo or eyesore colors/graphics getting in the way of it either. Not even script or a NAME was fixed to it. 😄 Classic. RIP.

[@stevezeoke]

Lovely tribute. Thanks a lot! A big excellent pocket scrambler who my eye test suggests would translate well today too.

[@bajikimran2304]

I remember being a kid and how popular Gabriel was with the kids. Everyone wanted to be the first to get his football card every year. His peak years were 1967-69. Unfortunately, he never won a playoff game, losing to Green bay in 1967 and to Minnesota in 1969. The Rams led the Vikes 17-7 at halftime, but fell apart in the second half in the bitter 11 degree weather. After missing the playoffs from 1970 to 1972, Gabriel was traded to Philadelphia. He had a great year in 1973 playing for an awful Eagles team, but would lose his starting job when the Rams and Eagles made another trade and Ron Jaworski claimed the starting job. The Rams got quite a haul for Gabriel, the package included Harold Jackson, John Cappalletti and Dennis Harrah. I miss those days and those players. Football just isn't the same. They must have had some great football teams at New Hanover High School in Wilmington, North Carolina. Six years before Gabriel quarterbacked the football team, their quarterback was a guy named Sonny Jurgensen.

[@Russ-gy7tx]

Growing up, Roman Gabriel #18, My Favorite RAM QB, RIP.

[@yokosomike]

Grew up in the 70s in LA and watched many Ram games live at the Coliseum. Roman Gabriel was a little before my time but my dad and his buddies always spoke highly of Roman when I was a kid. Love seeing these classic films. Thankyou.

[@Thorsrock]

Good Job Volsky. Great tribute and footage.

[@vegasdano7569]

I got to see him play, seen him holding the ball for the kicker when he was with the eagles. RIP 🏈🕊️🙏🏼

[@Mauricio-zv8jn]

I was a young kid in '67. He was my first football hero. He was larger than life to me!

[@sammyvh11]

Rip tough as nails. Remember the iconic Mike Curtis/Roman Gabriel Sports Ilustrated Cover

[@docnoc66]

Roman Gabriel was my childhood football hero and I will never forget him

[@TheTRAINOR11]

Wow, I didn't realized he passed away. I remember a Monday night game against the Purple Prople Eaters, the Minnesota Vikings, trying to get in the end zone. Those were some tuff old dudes. RIP Roman, you were and still are a great football qb. Sorry, I didn't get a chance to meet you

[@chrisrose6014]

Excellent production once again!

[@jeffbell6029]

I grew up a 49er fan but I now admit Roman Gabriel was a badass

[@manuelvasquez9923]

He was!! I will admit I have no idea or o don’t remember who the 49 qb was in those days.

[@jeffbell6029]

John Brodie

[@robertboruski4302]

Roman wearing the blue and white of the LA Rams....best NFL uniforms still to the day. RIP Roman.

[@chrisbotelho7212]

I've never cared for the gold or yellow or whatever it is. Always liked the blue and white.

[@kidmack3556]

Growing up in Los Angeles and Riverside counties (1961-1970), Roman Gabriel was one of the names that you heard a lot, and you never forgot it... Rest in Peace

[@sirreal1290]

Physically, Roman Gabriel was the Peyton Manning of the 1960s. Unfortunately, he never got a Super Bowl Championship ring.

[@Staygoldfarms]

I was named after this legend. We named our son Roman Jr. Such a great loss.

[@kemouse]

I was a little kid and we had a 13" black and white TV in me and my brothers room and I remember seeing the Rams and the Vikings and for some reason I liked the horn logo on the helmet. Anyway Roman Gabriel was the QB for that game and although I'm no longer in southern California, I still like the Rams best. Thank you for the upload!

[@robertburks28]

My Dad saw him play high school football in Wilmington, NC. He said he really "tilted" the field. Roman was an icon of 1960's NFL football and I remember his battles against the "Purple People Eaters." He was Filopino and he was HUGE...

[@kidmack3556]

All this time I believed that he was local Cherokee from N.C. Thanks for the lesson.

[@BillyColeII-dr6dk]

Had a poster of Roman on my wall in '68.....he was the man!

[@MarvinClay-ck7zj]

Thank you Dave for this compilation. Football legends never die. They live on through the memory and film.

[@bronzantilium7699]

What an excellent compilation and tribute. Man what a tough, versatile player. As a South Jersey kid who became an Eagles fan in the early 80s it was awesome seeing Gabriel playing alongside the rookie versions of my childhood heroes. RIP Roman Gabriel. They don’t make em like that anymore.

[@ChildOfThe1970s]

Wish I'd have been able to see Roman Gabriel play on TV before he retired. I was just a kid back then and didn't start watching football regularly until 1978. RIP to one of the greatest.

[@Football-Sidelines-NO]

Thank you for posting, I didn't realize he passed away today. He was the Rams starting QB when they played the Saints in New Orleans' first-ever regular season game as well as their first-ever pre-season game

[@merrillmilner8717]

I'll never forget opening the newspaper sports section to see a photo of Tony Guillory blocking Donny Anderson's punt to help the Rams beat the invincible Packers. It was a memorable feat.

[@MrOneHotDog]

I remember that too in the LA Times. Always read Jim Murray's column

[@primateproductions126]

Hats off to you Dave. 👍 It’s sad that a lot of our childhood football heroes are moving on ☹️

[@tonystephens6858]

Roman was my father's favorite quarterback.

[@michaelmeenan5522]

Roman Gabriel was my first ever sports hero. I am so grateful to root such a terrific sports icon. Brings back wonderful memories.

[@jas_1959]

Rest in Peace Sir.Another great one gone.

[@michaelleroy9281]

The week 13 Packers Rams game in 1967 was one of the greatest regular season games

[@davidabney7700]

Another NFL great from my best years of watching NFL Football, has passed away. Although not a Ram fan, I still enjoyed watching Roman drop back to pass, or scramble if all receivers were covered. Roman was an NFL great, that I hope is in the NFL Hall of Fame. I.remember many Sunday afternoons watching the Rams play, before the disastrous rule changes that would follow in the late 70's and 80's. Under todays NFL rules, there is no telling what a quarterback like Roman Gabriel would have accomplished. Thank you Roman for those years of great football viewing. Even when you were traded to the Eagles, you were still a very competitive and productive quarterback. May you Rest-In-Peace!

[@frankpulice7477]

Watched him play as a child. I live in Myrtle Beach and Roman lived in Little River which is only a twenty minute drive. Was hoping to meet him one day. RIP Roman.

[@JRZEKE99]

Thanks so much for this wonderful tribute to a great person and a hero from another era!!!!

[@ryaneugenelawrencewalls1987]

R.I.P to the Remarkable Roman Empire Gabriel I don't know much but he was an NFL's MVP in his time🙏🏽🙌🏽🙏🏽🙌🏽

[@user-bp8us6cm3c]

Gabriel was my boyhood hero. Yeah, there was Unitas, Starr, and Namath...and there was Roman Gabriel. R.I.P.#18😢🏉❤

[@craigfazekas3923]

Grew up an Eagles fan in the Delaware Valley. The 1st QB name I can recall for The Birds was Roman Gabriel. Same for WR in the form of Harold Carmichael. Thank you for the memories, Mr. Gabriel !! 🚬😎👍

[@user-xh8ii2hj6r]

In 1969 Dad took me to my first Ram Niners game at the Coliseum. Roman had an off day fumbling 4 times and recovered all 4 of them! Our Rams still won that day. The Fearsome Foursome were something to watch! With Jones and Olsen getting in the Niners backfield and stopping plays! That Christmas I got my Blue and White Ram helmet. Roman had a strong arm and was hard on opposing defenses. I can't believe he's gone now .RIP Roman Gabriel we loved you and still do... Eric Underwood Class of 81 Downey High school California USA ♥️🇺🇲🙏🗽

[@yusufu9]

A fitting visual memorial to a unique player who made his era one of the most memorable and entertaining in the history of his sport. Thanks yet again, Dave, for your incomparable video tributes to the stars of the past.

[@leonsmith6639]

as a young man Roman Gabriel was a perfect role model. with all of his accomplishments he inspired me to be a better person. i can not explain in words what the loss of Mr. Gabriel means to me. he will be sorely missed. i have wet eyes at the moment.

[@hrebec97]

The music in the 1973 Philadelphia-Washington game gives me tingles. Loved the NFL films. A great tribute to Roman Gabriel. He was tough as nails.

[@jerryj5833]

Thanks for posting! Roman was a great QB, and I remember him best when he played for the Rams in the 60's. Maybe also because after pee wee football, I played for the Rams on a VFW sponsored league before HS. We had the exact black helmets with the white horns. They even looked impressive on the B&W TVs of the day!

[@Larry-vc5qv]

RIP, loved him as a kid.

[@AlmostReady504]

Being the age I am I saw the great players and heard all the great bands live. Although paying for it now I wouldn't trade it for anything in the world

[@scottdepuydt6605]

as a kid in the 60's growing up in Michigan, the 2nd game on sundays was usually either the Raiders, or the Rams, Stabler & Gabriel were my favorite QB's...were the best of times!...RIP Roman

[@stever1791]

Roman was a Great QB. I saw him when he was with the Eagles. He was great

[@surfshack2]

My dad took me to the first football game I ever went to , Eagles vs Raiders November 21, 1976 at Veterans Stadium. Roman Gabriel was quarterback for the Eagles. The Raiders running game was too much for the Eagles and they lost 26-7. I remember I thought who is Roman Gabriel. I didn’t know I was watching an old legend. He gave the Eagles hope when there was none and was the initial spark into the Eagles believing they could become winners.

[@Sealight007]

Roman Gabriel was a delight to watch. A real competitor. Professional football is not for the faint of heart. Brutal competition and some gotta win, some gotta lose.

[@romelovesdan]

This is a day where many I know will give pause and think of their hero. Bless Mr. Gabriel's eternal soul,

[@jdg62269]

Mega Legend! Great human being!

[@user-rm9rp3no2j]

My first football jersey when I was a kid was #18 Roman Gabriel of the Rams..I was in the fifth grade out in the SoCal beach area burbs of Los Angeles CA. Rawlings made and solid.X-Mas present bought at Big 5. Loved that jersey. Bummer when I grew out of it.Blue on White and it was cool.So was Gabriel.(I am close to being 62 so that's how far back that memory went)

[@Paul11B2P]

Legend! Roman Gabriel should be in the NFL hall of fame!!!!

[@MaxAmerica.Freedom]

Great tribute. Thanks.

[@NoNo-ks4gg]

My first memory of a NFL quarterback was Roman Gabriel . . . and did you know, dude was 6 foot 5! I never knew that until about two years ago! And just learned upon his death (5 days before my birthday) that he was Filipino! Wow, what a man! RIP ROMAN GABRIEL I'll never forget ya!