Dillon Gabriel clarified what initially seemed like a controversial comment on Saturday after his preseason outing for the Cleveland Browns. It wasn’t directed at fellow rookie Shedeur Sanders, as many immediately speculated.
After sitting out the Browns’ preseason opener with a hamstring injury, Gabriel got the start versus the Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles and played respectably. He completed 13 of 18 passes, but one of them was returned for a pick-6 by Eagles rookie safety Andrew Mukuba.
Advertisement
However, Gabriel made a remark during a televised interview that quickly raised eyebrows. Speaking on the sideline after Tyler Huntley took over at QB, he said something that, without context, could have been interpreted as a swipe at Sanders, with whom he’s competing for a spot on the Browns’ depth chart and perhaps a spot on the roster.
[Join or create a Yahoo Fantasy Football league for the 2025 NFL season]
Asked by reporter Aditi Kinkhabwala to share his thoughts on “tuning out the noise” and not letting it interfere with his preparation, Gabriel seemingly addressed something unrelated to the question.
Advertisement
“There’s entertainers and there’s competitors, and I totally understand that,” Gabriel said. “But my job is to compete. And that’s what I’m focused on.”
The exact exchange went like this:
Kinkhabwala: “You gave us some fabulous wisdom on how you tune out the noise and don’t let it infiltrate yourself; will you share that with everybody at home?”
Gabriel: “Yeah, it’s just part of it. You know, there’s entertainers and there’s competitors, and I totally understand that. But my job is to compete. And that’s what I’m focused on.”
After the game, when asked to clarify the comment, Gabriel insisted he was not referring to Sanders but was instead talking about the media as “entertainers.”
Other NFL reporters supported that notion, faulting the league’s social media channels for posting the clip without the question that preceded it. Kinkhabwala also responded on social media, explaining the full context of the original conversation that she wanted to bring up on TV.
Advertisement
Gabriel played his final college football season at Oregon and there’s some history with that program and the Colorado team Sanders quarterbacked. Head coach Dan Lanning infamously made a pregame locker room speech prior to facing the Buffaloes in 2023. Lanning told his players, “They’re fighting for clicks, we’re fighting for wins.”
However, Bo Nix was Oregon’s quarterback that season. Gabriel was still at Oklahoma. And the Ducks did not play the Buffaloes during his lone season with the Ducks after transferring.
As a third-round draft pick, Gabriel’s place on the roster would usually be more assured than Sanders, who was selected in the fifth round. Yet Sanders has received decidedly more attention from media and fans because of his drop down the NFL Draft board and his self-promoting persona at Colorado that continued leading up to the draft.
Advertisement
In his preseason debut, Sanders threw for 138 yards and completed 14 of 23 passes with two touchdowns.
Gabriel’s remark may have stirred some controversy initially, but he insisted it wasn’t malicious.
“I’m all about my team and each other,” Gabriel said. “But for me, I’ve explained it. Entertainers are you all. A competitor, that’s what I am, along with all my teammates. We both have jobs to do.”
Though Gabriel was actually taking a shot at the media, not Sanders, the comment will still likely be picked apart and become a topic during the upcoming week of practice. Perhaps proving his point about “entertainers.”
This news was originally published on this post .
About the author
Will US Open see only fourth mum win Grand Slam and first since 2011?
When Serena Williams faced Simona Halep in the 2019 Wimbledon final, she was widely expected to claim a record-equalling 24th major, an eighth Venus Rosewater Dish and with it would have joined another exclusive band of players.Victory would have seen her join only Margaret Court, Evonne Goolagong and Kim Clijsters in winning a Grand Slam singles title after becoming a mother. But Williams didn’t. Her 6-2 6-2 drubbing in 56 minutes shocked Centre Court and the tennis world, who much fancied the then 37-year-old to win a first major since the birth of her daughter, Olympia, in September 2017. Players who have won Grand Slams after becoming mums Evonne Goolagong Cawley - (Wimbledon 1980) Margaret Court - (Australian Open, French Open and US Open in 1973) Kim Clijsters - (US Open in 2009, 2010 and Australian Open in 2011) A […]
Pro & Contra – Hat Bayern die Schale schon sicher?
Die Bundesliga-Saison hat noch gar nicht begonnen, da ist der FC Bayern schon wieder in aller Munde: die Verpflichtung von Liverpools Luis Diaz, das Buhlen um Stuttgarts Stürmer Nick Woltemade. Mittendrin aber auch: die mahnenden Worte von Harry Kane, der von einem der kleinsten Kader spricht, in dem er je gespielt hat. Bayern zu dünn besetzt für die Meisterschaft? Oder schon voll auf Kurs?Ein Pro & Contra von SPORT BILD.Akkordeon und Lederhose: Luis Díaz begeistert Bayern-Stars<!-->[-->Quelle: Paulaner / FC Bayern München20.08.2025Contra: Der BVB muss die Chance ergreifen!Von Maximilian WessingDie weiße Flagge hissen? Warum?! Selbst Stürmer Harry Kane merkte bereits an, wie klein der Kader des FC Bayern sei – was zu einem echten Problem werden kann. Die Transferperiode verlief längst nicht glänzend und geräuschlos, mit Thomas Müller ist das Aushängeschild und der Moderator der Mannschaft weg, Jamal Musiala fehlt noch […]
Today on Sky Sports Racing: Ffos Las hosts six-race card
Kentucky River and Navid will be looking to follow up recent successes when they clash in the feature of six races from Ffos Las.2.10 Ffos Las - Recent winners Kentucky River and Navid clashLast-time winners Kentucky River and Navid lock horns in a trappy Ascona Ladies Fuelled By Fashion Handicap at Ffos Las. The Ollie Sangster-trained Kentucky River broke his duck at the eighth attempt at Pontefract on Sunday and bids to follow up off this 6lb higher mark. Jockey Luke Morris has a respectable 20% strike rate at the track over the last five years and could prove a valuable addition on top.Navid is another who arrives on the back of a victory having comfortably claimed a Salisbury handicap by two lengths last time out. This extra distance - stepping up to two miles for the first time - […]
Tyreek Hill of the Miami Dolphins was hit with an unexpected NFL fine
Tyreek Hill is one of the standout stars of the Miami Dolphins,known for his blazing speed, agility, and ability to evade defenders. Despite his talent, the young wide receiver has now been hit with a significant NFL fine, requiring him to pay a substantial amount of money. The fine has raised eyebrows across the league and sparked discussions among fans.Typically, fines in the NFL are associated with on- or off-field misconduct, but Tyreek Hill's case is unusual. The Miami Dolphins star was penalized not for behavior but for failing to wear some of the league-mandated equipment during games, drawing attention and sparking debate across the NFL community.Jaguars and Dolphins get into a massive brawl with Travis Hunter on the fieldTyreek Hill's unusual NFL fineUnlike typical fines for on-field misconduct, Tyreek Hill's penalty comes from a safety violation. The Miami Dolphins […]
San Francisco 49ers fans still want Trey Lance; tough blow for Brock Purdy
During this offseason, the San Francisco 49ers extended their quarterback, sparking mixed reactions among fans and analysts. Brock Purdy signed a 5-year, $265 million contract, with $181 million guaranteed, turning "Mr. Irrelevant" of 2022 into one of the highest-paid quarterbacks in NFL history.49ers WR Brandon Aiyuk Carted Off After Collision Before HalftimeIt's worth remembering that Purdy led the 49ers to the 2023 Super Bowl, where they fell to Patrick Mahomes' Kansas City Chiefs in overtime. That same season, Christian McCaffrey also had a spectacular year. The 49ers couldn't replicate that success in 2024, but they're aiming for a comeback in 2025.Despite all this, 49ers fans haven't forgotten the quarterback they originally chose in 2021 to lead the franchise: Trey Lance, for whom they traded three first-round picks. For one reason or another, it simply didn't work out.Trey Lance returns to […]
Nikola Jokic sent bizarre seven-word message to former Denver Nuggets teammate when he learned of exit
During the summer NBA trade period, the Denver Nuggets made a surprising roster move, sending forward Michael Porter Jr. to the Brooklyn Nets in exchange for forward Cameron Johnson - denying Nikola Jokic the chance to keep playing with his friend. While trades are a routine part of league operations, the personal interactions surrounding this deal quickly drew attention, especially the farewell message Jokic sent to his former teammate. Nikola Jokic sets off Nuggets alarms with how little he cares about basketballMichael Porter Jr. recently revealed the humorous and unorthodox note in a conversation with the media.Following the trade, Porter Jr. shared the final message he received from Jokic. In a group chat that included Nuggets teammates, Jokic wrote: "Make sure you wear condom out there."Porter Jr. later reflected on the message, stating: "That was his goodbye to me."Fans react […]
Related
Will US Open see only fourth mum win Grand Slam and first since 2011?
When Serena Williams faced Simona Halep in the 2019 Wimbledon final, she was widely expected to claim a record-equalling 24th major, an eighth Venus Rosewater Dish and with it would have joined another exclusive band of players.Victory would have seen her join only Margaret Court, Evonne Goolagong and Kim Clijsters in winning a Grand Slam singles title after becoming a mother. But Williams didn’t. Her 6-2 6-2 drubbing in 56 minutes shocked Centre Court and the tennis world, who much fancied the then 37-year-old to win a first major since the birth of her daughter, Olympia, in September 2017. Players who have won Grand Slams after becoming mums Evonne Goolagong Cawley - (Wimbledon 1980) Margaret Court - (Australian Open, French Open and US Open in 1973) Kim Clijsters - (US Open in 2009, 2010 and Australian Open in 2011) A […]
Pro & Contra – Hat Bayern die Schale schon sicher?
Die Bundesliga-Saison hat noch gar nicht begonnen, da ist der FC Bayern schon wieder in aller Munde: die Verpflichtung von Liverpools Luis Diaz, das Buhlen um Stuttgarts Stürmer Nick Woltemade. Mittendrin aber auch: die mahnenden Worte von Harry Kane, der von einem der kleinsten Kader spricht, in dem er je gespielt hat. Bayern zu dünn besetzt für die Meisterschaft? Oder schon voll auf Kurs?Ein Pro & Contra von SPORT BILD.Akkordeon und Lederhose: Luis Díaz begeistert Bayern-Stars<!-->[-->Quelle: Paulaner / FC Bayern München20.08.2025Contra: Der BVB muss die Chance ergreifen!Von Maximilian WessingDie weiße Flagge hissen? Warum?! Selbst Stürmer Harry Kane merkte bereits an, wie klein der Kader des FC Bayern sei – was zu einem echten Problem werden kann. Die Transferperiode verlief längst nicht glänzend und geräuschlos, mit Thomas Müller ist das Aushängeschild und der Moderator der Mannschaft weg, Jamal Musiala fehlt noch […]
Today on Sky Sports Racing: Ffos Las hosts six-race card
Kentucky River and Navid will be looking to follow up recent successes when they clash in the feature of six races from Ffos Las.2.10 Ffos Las - Recent winners Kentucky River and Navid clashLast-time winners Kentucky River and Navid lock horns in a trappy Ascona Ladies Fuelled By Fashion Handicap at Ffos Las. The Ollie Sangster-trained Kentucky River broke his duck at the eighth attempt at Pontefract on Sunday and bids to follow up off this 6lb higher mark. Jockey Luke Morris has a respectable 20% strike rate at the track over the last five years and could prove a valuable addition on top.Navid is another who arrives on the back of a victory having comfortably claimed a Salisbury handicap by two lengths last time out. This extra distance - stepping up to two miles for the first time - […]
Tyreek Hill of the Miami Dolphins was hit with an unexpected NFL fine
Tyreek Hill is one of the standout stars of the Miami Dolphins,known for his blazing speed, agility, and ability to evade defenders. Despite his talent, the young wide receiver has now been hit with a significant NFL fine, requiring him to pay a substantial amount of money. The fine has raised eyebrows across the league and sparked discussions among fans.Typically, fines in the NFL are associated with on- or off-field misconduct, but Tyreek Hill's case is unusual. The Miami Dolphins star was penalized not for behavior but for failing to wear some of the league-mandated equipment during games, drawing attention and sparking debate across the NFL community.Jaguars and Dolphins get into a massive brawl with Travis Hunter on the fieldTyreek Hill's unusual NFL fineUnlike typical fines for on-field misconduct, Tyreek Hill's penalty comes from a safety violation. The Miami Dolphins […]
San Francisco 49ers fans still want Trey Lance; tough blow for Brock Purdy
During this offseason, the San Francisco 49ers extended their quarterback, sparking mixed reactions among fans and analysts. Brock Purdy signed a 5-year, $265 million contract, with $181 million guaranteed, turning "Mr. Irrelevant" of 2022 into one of the highest-paid quarterbacks in NFL history.49ers WR Brandon Aiyuk Carted Off After Collision Before HalftimeIt's worth remembering that Purdy led the 49ers to the 2023 Super Bowl, where they fell to Patrick Mahomes' Kansas City Chiefs in overtime. That same season, Christian McCaffrey also had a spectacular year. The 49ers couldn't replicate that success in 2024, but they're aiming for a comeback in 2025.Despite all this, 49ers fans haven't forgotten the quarterback they originally chose in 2021 to lead the franchise: Trey Lance, for whom they traded three first-round picks. For one reason or another, it simply didn't work out.Trey Lance returns to […]
Nikola Jokic sent bizarre seven-word message to former Denver Nuggets teammate when he learned of exit
During the summer NBA trade period, the Denver Nuggets made a surprising roster move, sending forward Michael Porter Jr. to the Brooklyn Nets in exchange for forward Cameron Johnson - denying Nikola Jokic the chance to keep playing with his friend. While trades are a routine part of league operations, the personal interactions surrounding this deal quickly drew attention, especially the farewell message Jokic sent to his former teammate. Nikola Jokic sets off Nuggets alarms with how little he cares about basketballMichael Porter Jr. recently revealed the humorous and unorthodox note in a conversation with the media.Following the trade, Porter Jr. shared the final message he received from Jokic. In a group chat that included Nuggets teammates, Jokic wrote: "Make sure you wear condom out there."Porter Jr. later reflected on the message, stating: "That was his goodbye to me."Fans react […]
Be the first to leave a comment