Here is the biography of Roman Gabriel:
Roman Gabriel, Jr. was born on August 5, 1940, in Wilmington, North Carolina, to a Filipino immigrant father and an Irish-American mother. He was a two-time All-American quarterback at North Carolina State University, where he set virtually every passing record, earning him a jersey retirement ceremony in 1962.
Gabriel was drafted by the Los Angeles Rams and the Oakland Raiders in 1962, becoming the first round draft pick of both teams. He played 11 seasons with the Rams, from 1962 to 1972, and was considered the first large quarterback in NFL history.
In 1966, Gabriel was signed by the Oakland Raiders, but he changed his mind and returned to the Rams after the team hired George Allen as coach. Under Allen's leadership, Gabriel thrived as a starting quarterback, winning his first Pro Bowl berth in 1967 and earning the NFL Most Valuable Player Award in 1969.
Gabriel was traded to the Philadelphia Eagles in 1973 and led the league with 3,219 yards and 23 touchdown passes, winning the NFL Comeback Player of the Year Award. He played with the Eagles until 1977 and finished his NFL career with the team.
After his playing career, Gabriel went on to coach and serve as a quarterback coach for several teams, including the Boston Breakers and Arizona Wranglers in the USFL. He also had a brief career in movies and television, appearing in shows such as "Gilligan's Island" and "The Undefeated" alongside John Wayne.
Today, Gabriel is deeply committed to charity work in his North Carolina community, having raised over $4 million through his RG Sports Connection trust with his wife Lisa.
