Gabler was a starter in the CFL for the Toronto Argonauts (1966–1969), Winnipeg Blue Bombers (1969–1970), and Hamilton Tiger-Cats (1970–1972).

[1][2] He attended the New Mexico Military Institute (NMMI) after graduating from high school, with the hopes of qualifying for the United States Naval Academy the following year.

At NMMI, Gabler broke Roger Staubach's school records for most passing touchdowns in a game and completion percentage and was selected as a junior college All-American.

[3] As a junior, Gabler received a tuition-only scholarship,[3] and appeared as a backup to Bob Timberlake on the 1964 Michigan team that won the Big Ten Conference championship.

In November 1970, the Canadian Press published a feature story about Gabler's role in leading the Tiger-Cats.

And it's ironic in view of the nomadic life the 26-year-old Royal Oak, Mich. native has experienced in his short career in the Canadian Football League.

Arriving in late September to fill in at quarterback for injured Joe Zuger, Gabler quickly picked up the intricate Hamilton offence and was one of the instruments in the Tiger-Cats' first place finish.

[16] In August 1972, Gabler returned to the Toronto Argonauts, who lost their quarterback Joe Theismann in the season opener.