Fox News Flash top sports headlines for April 20
Fox News Flash top sports headlines are here. Check out what's clicking on Foxnews.com.
Roman Gabriel, the NFL MVP in 1969, died Saturday at the age of 83.
Gabriel's son, Roman III, announced his father's death in a social media post, saying he "passed away peacefully" of natural causes at home.
"We mourn the loss of Rams legend and football pioneer, Roman Gabriel. We extend our condolences to his family and friends during this difficult time," the Rams said in a post on X, formerly Twitter.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM
Roman Gabriel of the Los Angeles Rams looks to throw a pass against the Green Bay Packers during the 1967 NFL Championship Dec. 23, 1967, at Milwaukee County Stadium in Milwaukee. (James Drake/Sports Illustrated via Getty Images)
Gabriel starred at North Carolina State, twice being named the ACC Player of the Year.
After becoming the first ACC quarterback to throw for 1,000 yards in back-to-back seasons, the Rams, in their first stint in Los Angeles, drafted him with the second pick of the NFL Draft. They selected Hall of Fame defensive tackle Merlin Olsen with the very next selection.
Gabriel spent his first 11 seasons with the Rams and remains the franchise's all-time leader in passing touchdowns with 154. His 22,223 yards are third most, behind Jim Everett and Marc Bulger.
Roman Gabriel of the Los Angeles Rams in action against the Dallas Cowboys Oct. 1, 1967, at the Cotton Bowl in Dallas, Texas. Gabriel played for the Rams from 1962-72. (Focus on Sport/Getty Images)
He made three straight Pro Bowls from 1967 to 1969, but it was the ‘69 season when he separated himself from the league’s other QBs.
He threw an NFL-high 24 touchdowns and led the Rams to an 11-3 season, but they lost in the divisional round to the Minnesota Vikings.
The Rams traded Gabriel to the Philadelphia Eagles in 1973, and he spent the final five seasons of his career in Philly, backing up Ron Jaworski his final two.
In his first season with the Birds, he led the NFL with 3,219 passing yards and 23 touchdowns and was named the league's Comeback Player of the Year by Pro Football Weekly.
He was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1989.
Roman Gabriel of the Los Angeles Rams drops back to pass against the New York Jets during a game Nov. 15, 1970, at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum in Los Angeles. Gabriel played for the Rams from 1962-72. (Focus on Sport/Getty Images)
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
Gabriel also had acting roles in TV and movies. His list of projects included the 1968 film "Skidoo," headlined by Jackie Gleason, and the 1969 film "The Undefeated," starring John Wayne and Rock Hudson.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Follow Fox News Digital’s sports coverage on X, and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.
Fox News First
Get all the stories you need-to-know from the most powerful name in news delivered first thing every morning to your inbox.
By entering your email and clicking the Subscribe button, you agree to the Fox News Privacy Policy and Terms of Use, and agree to receive content and promotional communications from Fox News. You understand that you can opt-out at any time.