

The Cleveland Browns’ preseason game on Saturday, August 16, against the Philadelphia Eagles was the perfect chance for quarterback Dillon Gabriel to showcase what he could bring to the team. It was also the opportunity to see if his performance might outshine that of his competitor for the starting role, Shedeur Sanders.
Shedeur Sanders admits that he copies Joe Flacco moves
Gabriel delivered a few bright moments in his debut against the reigning NFL champions. He completed 13 of 18 passes for a gain of 143 yards. However, his outing also carried a blemish, as one of his throws was intercepted and returned for a pick-six, casting a shadow over what was otherwise a promising start with Cleveland.
That interception could have overshadowed his debut, yet it quickly faded into the background once Gabriel’s postgame comments became the center of attention.
There are entertainers and there are competitors… My job is to compete, and that’s what I’m focused on.”… “I just want to be the best teammate I can and create an environment where we can do our best work.
Gabriel said during his media availability.
His words could easily be interpreted as a venomous dart directed at teammate Shedeur Sanders. On the other hand, they may have been nothing more than a generic statement. Still, in a league where every comment is scrutinized, it seemed far more like the former than the latter.
Spotlight on Shedeur often proves counterproductive
The remark by the former Oregon standout quickly found an echo. Referring to “entertainers” appeared to point clearly toward Sanders, who, much like his father, is considered a showman on the field. Shedeur embraces the spotlight and seems to relish having the attention on him, often projecting the aura of an entertainer as much as a competitor.
What Shannon Sharpe said about Gabriel’s comments
The situation did not go unnoticed within league circles. Former Denver Broncos star Shannon Sharpe reacted almost immediately on the podcast he co-hosts with Chad Johnson.
I think he was taking a shot at Shedeur.”… “You name the time you’ve ever heard someone say there are entertainers and there are competitors. Tell me the time.
While Johnson attempted to soften the interpretation, suggesting Gabriel’s comments might have been misunderstood, Sharpe doubled down with further analysis.
We’ve heard people say that’s what he’s more interested in doing. Sometimes it seeps out when you’ve been around people, and if you’re not careful, you’ll repeat what you’ve heard someone say about someone. He didn’t have to say that.
Floyd Mayweather was an entertainer, but he was a competitor. Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, LeBron James – entertainers and fierce competitors. So to make those two things mutually exclusive is just not true.
As Sharpe’s remarks went viral, Gabriel felt compelled to clarify his own position, making sure to avoid lingering controversy.
Well, all [of] you in this room are entertainers, and you have a job to do, and I respect it.”… “And I’m a competitor, so I have a job to do as well… I would never make that [comment about Shedeur].
This news was originally published on this post .
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