Rookie QB Dillon Gabriel Stirs Controversy with Cryptic Comments

In the lead-up to the 2025 NFL season, the Cleveland Browns have found themselves at the center of a quarterback controversy involving rookie Dillon Gabriel. The Browns selected Gabriel with the 94th overall pick in this year's draft, but the young quarterback has already made headlines for a cryptic comment he made following the team's second preseason game.

Many interpreted Gabriel's remarks as a dig at fellow rookie QB Shedeur Sanders, who has faced claims that he only made it to the NFL because of his legendary father, Deion, who was his head coach at Colorado. However, Gabriel later clarified that his comments were not actually directed at Sanders, but rather at the media.

Despite the controversy, the Browns have decided to go with veteran signal-caller Joe Flacco as their starting quarterback for Week 1 against the Cincinnati Bengals. This means that Gabriel, for now, will have to settle for the QB2 role, at least to start the season.

Analysts like Stephen A. Smith have been critical of Gabriel's initial comments, calling them "stupid, idiotic, and immature." The young quarterback will now have to focus on competing and proving himself on the field, rather than engaging in off-field distractions.