Bio
Roman Gabriel attended New Hanover High School where he made All-State in football, basketball, and baseball. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree from NC State where he was a two-time Football All-American. Additionally, his collegiate accomplishments include:
- Two years All-Conference in Football, MVP; 1962
- Two year winner of the Governor’s Award
- ACC Athlete of the Year
- East-West Shrine Game Co-Captain
- Hula Bowl
- All-American Game Co-Captain
- Chicago All Star Game
- NC State University retired Roman’s football jersey, Number “18”
- Most accurate passer in the NCAA; 1959
- Football Player of the Year; 1960, 1961
- Sports Illustrated national “Back of the Week”, November 18, 1961
- State College Alumni Association Award, Top Senior Athlete and Student, May 1962
- Louis E. Teague Award, Most Outstanding Athlete of the Carolinas, 1960.
Gabriel was a great basketball player. Additionally, he excelled in baseball. The New York Yankees offered him a pro contract.
After graduation from NCSU, Gabriel was the #1 draft pick of the AFL’s Oakland Raiders and the NFL’s Los Angeles Rams in 1962. Throughout his 16 year career in the NFL with the Los Angeles Rams and Philadelphia Eagles, Roman was All-Pro four times, the Rams MVP three times, Pro-Bowl MVP, named to the Sporting News NFL Western Conference All-Star Team and 1969’s NFL MVP.
In his NFL career, Gabriel amassed 31,000 total yards, 201 touchdown passes and over 30 rushing touchdowns.
Gabriel has remained active in sports as a Coach, Color Analyst, Sportscaster and Sports Management Executive. He has coached on the college level and in the USFL with George Allen and Dick Coury. He has been President of two minor league baseball teams, the Charlotte Knights, and the Gastonia Rangers. Gabriel served as General Manager and Consultant to the World League entry in Raleigh, NC and the Charlotte Arena Football Franchise.
Gabriel was associated with the Carolina Panthers Radio as a color analyst for seven years. He is President/Owner of Roman Gabriel “18” Enterprises and a very gifted and highly recognized motivational speaker. In addition, Gabriel’s an independent contractor for Tournament Promotions. He currently promotes and oversees six celebrity/charity Golf Tournaments.