Roman Gabriel

Football
Inducted: 1971
  • Born in Wilmington, NC, 1940
  • College and pro football star, declining a baseball contract with New York Yankees. 
  • All-American quarterback at NC State, 1960–1961
  • Led nation in passing percentage in 1959
  • Passed for 2,951 yards
  • Named ACC football Player of the Year in 1960 and 1961
  • Earned McKelvin Award as ACC’s top athlete in 1961
  • Second player picked in the 1961 NFL draft by Los Angeles Rams and played for Rams from 1961–1972
  • Passed for at least 2,000 yards in 1966–1973
  • Named NFL MVP in 1969
  • Traded to Philadelphia Eagles in 1973
  • Recovered from injuries, undergoing five knee operations, and named 1973 Comeback Player of the Year
  • Led NFL with 3,219 passing yards and 23 touchdown passes in 1973
  • Retired after 1977 season, finishing his NFL career with 29,444 career passing yards and completing 2,366 of 4,498 passes 
  • Played in four Pro Bowls
  • Football coach, baseball administrator, broadcaster, and actor since retirement
  • Member College Football Hall of Fame