NFL's First Filipino-American quarterback, dies at 83
I remember the name more than watching him play in the 1970's. It's a name when spoken or heard, automatically exudes strength and heroism. Who knew back then that Roman Gabriel had Filipino roots. And to be honest, who really cared just as long as he could sling the football and lead his teams to victory.
2018 NBC News Article by Sheng Peng:
Gabriel headlined at North Carolina State before being drafted second-overall by the Los Angeles Rams in the 1962 NFL Draft.
"Once you become an athlete, you're a little more accepted," Gabriel said. "As I became more proficient as an athlete, I wasn't a Filipino, I was just an American."
But he was more than just any All-American athlete. At 6'5", 220 pounds, Gabriel was the tallest quarterback in the history of the NFL when he started playing in 1962, according to data from Pro Football Reference. Cont'd . . .
When you think of a Roman Gabriel you think of a courageous man standing strong in the face of oncoming danger and fighting the good fight. You think of someone gifted with the skills and mindset to lead men to victory come hell or high water. You think of someone with a "never retreat, never surrender" competitive philosophy, and you are motivated to follow his lead without question.
Roman Gabriel, there's just something in the name that begs honor and reverence. And the man who made the name recognizable, lived up to the respect and admiration of its thundering mythological sound.
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