His death came from natural causes, according to his son, Roman Gabriel III.
Gabriel was the No.
2 draft pick of the Los Angeles Rams in 1962 out of North Carolina State.
Roman Gabriel #18 of the Los Angeles RamsFocus on Sport/Getty Images
He was the first Filipino-American quarterback in theNFLand the league MVP in 1969.
But he reached the postseason only twice, and his Rams were eliminated in the first round both times.
Gabriel was a two-time player of the year in the Atlantic Coast Conference for North Carolina State.
He was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1989.
Gabe was an amazing player and an even better mentor.
A special player and a better man!
He was voted MVP in 1969 after throwing for 2,549 yards with 24 touchdown passes and five rushing scores.
Gabriel was traded to the Philadelphia Eagles in 1973.
After retiring, Gabriel worked briefly for CBS, calling NFL games.
Gabriel also was an actor.
He appeared in such TV shows asGilligans Island,Perry Mason, IronsideandWonder Woman.
He also joined Bob Hope on a USO tour of Vietnam.
