Gabriel clarifies remarks

The Browns rookie quarterback says his comments were aimed at the media, not a fellow Browns rookie, amid a heated preseason moment.

Gabriel clarifies entertainers and competitors remark

During Cleveland’s preseason win over the Philadelphia Eagles on Aug 16, 2025, Browns quarterback Dillon Gabriel addressed questions about remarks that some believed targeted fellow rookie Shedeur Sanders. He said there are entertainers and there are competitors, and his job is to compete.

The NFL later posted his comments to X without the surrounding question, and Gabriel said the remarks were about reporters, not Sanders. Sanders did not play because of an oblique injury from a joint practice, with coach Kevin Stefanski calling it a day to day situation and noting that a thrower needs a healthy muscle. Gabriel completed 13 of 18 passes for 173 yards in the win, while Sanders remained on the sideline.

Gabriel's framing of competition versus entertainment reflects a broader tension in sports culture where players face steady media scrutiny while trying to stay focused on inside the building work. The exchange could shape how Cleveland's QB competition is viewed by fans and by the front office, especially as Sanders is sidelined.

This moment shows how quickly social media can turn a light comment into a wider narrative. The team will need clear messaging to keep competition professional and to avoid turning a healthy rivalry into a public feud. The next steps in the QB competition will be watched closely, not just for on field results but for signals about leadership and trust.

Highlights

The Browns will navigate a fragile moment as the QB competition unfolds under a watchful eye.