Former NC State QB Roman Gabriel, 2-time ACC Player of the Year, dead at 83
Posted April 20, 2024 2:12 p.m. EDT
Updated April 20, 2024 2:37 p.m. EDT
Former NC State quarterback Roman Gabriel, a two-time ACC Player of the Year who played 16 NFL seasons with the Los Angeles Rams and Philadelphia Eagles, died Saturday morning, his son announced.
He was 83.
Gabriel, a two-time All-American, set 22 NC State records and nine ACC records during his career. The first ACC quarterback to throw for 1,000 yards in a season, Gabriel was the ACC Player of the Year in 1960 and 1961.
"Extending our thoughts and prayers to the family, friends and everyone who was lucky enough to have their life impacted by Roman Gabriel," NC State athletics said in a statement on social media. "Thank you for everything you did."
He was the No. 1 pick in the American Football League draft (Oakland Raiders) and the No. 2 pick in the National Football League draft (Los Angeles Rams) in 1961. A four-time NFL Pro Bowl selection, Gabriel was the NFL MVP in 1969 and led the league in passing yards and touchdowns in 1973. He ended his career as the Rams' all-time leader in passing yardage.
Gabriel was born in Wilmington and attended New Hanover High School where he was an all-state selection in football, basketball, and baseball. He played first base for the NC State baseball team and led the team in home runs in 1961.
Gabriel was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1989 and into the North Carolina Sports Hall of Fame in 1971. His No. 18 jersey was retired by then-Gov. Terry Sanford in 1962.
Garbiel was known for his post-career charity work and raised more than $7 million for various organizations, according to NC State.
He went onto a notable acting career. Gabriel was the head coach of the Raleigh Skyhawks of the World League of American Football for its lone season.
