Dillon Gabriel Clarifies Comments on ‘Entertainers’: Not Targeting Shedeur Sanders

Posted: August 18, 2025, 1:15 PM ET

Cleveland, Ohio – Dillon Gabriel, Quarterback for the Cleveland Browns, moved swiftly on Saturday to address and contextualize statements he made during a broadcast interview following his preseason debut against the Philadelphia Eagles. The clarification centers around remarks perceived by some as a comparison between his work ethic and that of fellow rookie quarterback, Shedeur Sanders.

The Initial Remarks and Public Reaction

Gabriel was questioned during a CBS Sports interview concerning the external pressures associated with the ongoing competition for the Browns’ starting quarterback position. He responded, stating, “Yeah, it’s just part of it.You no, 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 doing.”

The phrasing, specifically the distinction between “entertainers” and “competitors”, quickly gained traction on social media platforms, with many interpreting it as a subtle critique of Sanders. Sanders, despite being drafted in the fifth round, two rounds after Gabriel, has garnered important media attention due to his famous father, Deion Sanders, and the narrative surrounding his unconventional path to the NFL.

Gabriel’s Clarification

Following the game, where he completed 13 of 18 passes for 143 yards but also committed two turnovers – a pick-six and a lost fumble – Gabriel addressed the controversy head-on. he explained that his use of the term “entertainers” refers routinely to the media and was not directed at his teammate. “First off, I’m all about our team and each other,” Gabriel stated during a postgame press conference. “I woudl never make that [comment about Sanders].I’ve said it before; it’s why it’s interesting, but for me, ‘entertainers’ are you all, the media. ‘Competitor,’ that’s what I am, and all my teammates are. We both have jobs to do,so that’s it.”

Sanders was sidelined for Saturday’s contest because of an oblique injury, although he had previously impressed in his preseason opener against the Carolina Panthers, completing 14 of 23 passes for 138 yards and two touchdowns.

The Quarterback Competition Intensifies

The Browns currently have four quarterbacks vying for the starting role: Gabriel, Sanders, veteran Joe Flacco, and Kenny Pickett. Flacco has consistently been taking first-team reps during practice sessions. The competition is expected to reach a conclusion “sooner than later,” according to Browns Head Coach Kevin Stefanski.

Player	Draft Round	Preseason Stats (2025)
Dillon Gabriel	3rd	13/18, 143 yards, 2 turnovers
Shedeur Sanders	5th	14/23, 138 yards, 2 touchdowns
Joe Flacco	N/A (Veteran)	TBD
Kenny Pickett	N/A (Veteran)	TBD

Stefanski indicated that the upcoming preseason finale against the Los Angeles Rams will serve as a crucial evaluation chance, with the team intending to play its starters. He also expressed optimism regarding the potential for Sanders and Pickett, who is currently recovering from a hamstring injury sustained on July 26, to increase their practice participation in the coming week.

ESPN’s Daniel Oyefusi contributed to this report.

The Evolving Role of the Modern NFL Quarterback

The NFL quarterback position has undergone a dramatic shift in recent decades.Once primarily focused on arm talent and decision-making, the role now demands significant athleticism, media savvy, and the ability to handle intense public scrutiny. The rise of social media and 24/7 sports coverage has amplified the pressure on quarterbacks – making off-field conduct and public perception as critically important as on-field performance. According to a 2024 study by Statista,nearly 70% of NFL fans actively follow their favorite players on social media,highlighting the importance of a player’s public image.

Did you Know? The average NFL career length is just over three years, underscoring the competitive nature of the league and the constant pressure on players to perform.

Frequently asked Questions About the Browns’ Quarterback Situation

• What is Dillon Gabriel’s role on the Browns? Dillon gabriel is currently competing for the starting quarterback position for the Cleveland Browns.
• Who is Shedeur Sanders? Shedeur Sanders is a rookie quarterback for the Cleveland Browns and the son of NFL Hall of famer Deion Sanders.
• what caused the controversy surrounding Gabriel’s comments? Comments about ‘entertainers’ versus ‘competitors’ were interpreted by some as a slight towards Shedeur Sanders.
• How is the quarterback competition shaping up for the Browns? The Browns have a four-way competition including Dillon Gabriel, Shedeur Sanders, Joe Flacco and Kenny Pickett.
• When will the Browns likely announce their starting quarterback? Browns coach Kevin Stefanski has indicated a decision will be made “sooner than later,” aiming for clarity before the start of the regular season.

What do you think of the Browns’ quarterback competition? Do you believe a rookie should be handed the starting role, or will experience prevail?

Share your thoughts in the comments below and share this article with fellow NFL fans!

How might Dillon Gabriel’s initial comments and subsequent clarification impact his public image and leadership role within the Oklahoma Sooners football team?

The Initial Controversy & Social Media Reaction

Oklahoma Sooners quarterback Dillon Gabriel recently addressed comments made during a media appearance that sparked considerable debate and speculation,particularly regarding Colorado Buffaloes quarterback Shedeur Sanders. The initial remarks,referencing a distinction between “football players” and “entertainers,” were widely interpreted as a direct jab at Sanders,known for his on-field performance and his notable social media presence and NIL (Name,Image,Likeness) deals.

The initial reaction on platforms like X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, and TikTok was swift and polarized. Hashtags like #DillonGabriel, #ShedeurSanders, and #CollegeFootball quickly trended. Many fans perceived Gabriel’s comments as disrespectful to Sanders and the evolving landscape of college athletics, where athletes are increasingly leveraging their platforms for financial gain. others defended Gabriel, suggesting his comments were simply a statement about prioritizing the game itself.

Gabriel’s Clarification: Setting the Record Straight

In a statement released on August 17, 2025, Gabriel clarified his position, emphasizing that his comments were not directed at Shedeur Sanders personally. He stated the intention was to highlight a team-first mentality and a focus on the core principles of football – preparation, execution, and winning.

Here’s a breakdown of key points from Gabriel’s clarification:

No Personal Attack: Gabriel explicitly stated he holds respect for sanders as a competitor and did not intend to single him out.

Team Focus: He reiterated his belief in prioritizing team goals and minimizing distractions. The core message was about maintaining a singular focus on football.

Evolving College Landscape: Gabriel acknowledged the changes in college athletics, including NIL and the transfer portal, but stressed the importance of staying grounded in the fundamentals of the sport.

Misinterpretation: He expressed disappointment that his comments were misinterpreted and led to unnecessary controversy.

Examining the Context: NIL and the Modern Athlete

The controversy surrounding Gabriel’s comments underscores the ongoing conversation about the role of NIL and the changing definition of a “student-athlete.” Shedeur Sanders is a prime example of an athlete who has successfully capitalized on his NIL rights, securing lucrative endorsement deals and building a substantial personal brand. This has led to discussions about whether athletes are becoming more “brands” than “players.”

Key aspects of the NIL debate include:

Financial Opportunities: NIL allows college athletes to earn money from endorsements, appearances, and other activities, providing financial security and opportunities previously unavailable.

Potential Distractions: Concerns remain about whether NIL deals coudl distract athletes from their academic and athletic responsibilities.

Competitive Balance: The uneven distribution of NIL opportunities across different schools and sports raises questions about competitive fairness.

Athlete Empowerment: NIL is seen by many as a positive step towards athlete empowerment, giving them more control over their own image and likeness.

Shedeur Sanders’ Response & The Impact on Colorado Football

Shedeur Sanders has remained relatively quiet on the matter publicly, offering a brief statement acknowledging Gabriel’s clarification. His focus remains on preparing for the upcoming season with the Colorado Buffaloes.

The incident has, though, amplified the already significant media attention surrounding Sanders and the Colorado program. Coach Deion Sanders’ aggressive recruiting strategy and the team’s dramatic turnaround in 2024 have made them a national storyline. Any controversy involving Shedeur Sanders inevitably draws a large audience.

Increased Scrutiny: The situation has placed both Gabriel and Sanders under increased scrutiny from fans and media.

Social Media Engagement: The debate fueled significant social media engagement, further amplifying the story.

* Colorado’s Visibility: The incident has inadvertently boosted the visibility of the Colorado football program.

Looking Ahead: The Future of College Football Discourse

this exchange serves as a microcosm of the broader challenges facing college football as it navigates a rapidly changing landscape. The lines between athletics and entertainment are becoming increasingly blurred, and athletes are expected to be both performers on the field and personalities off the field.

Moving forward, open and respectful dialog will be crucial to addressing these challenges and ensuring the long-term health of the sport. The focus shoudl be on finding a balance between preserving the integrity of the game and empowering athletes to pursue their full potential,both on and off the field. The ongoing evolution of NIL regulations and enforcement will also play a critical role in shaping the future of college athletics.