Former Oregon Ducks quarterback Dillon Gabriel is currently navigating his first NFL offseason with a relaxed and upbeat attitude. Despite facing a quarterback competition with the Cleveland Browns, Gabriel kept things lighthearted during the Browns’ 2025 Foundation Golf Outing.
After a strong tee shot on a par 3, Gabriel joked, “Put that **** on Twitter.” The Browns’ social media team did just that, sharing a video on X that showcased the rookie quarterback’s golf swing. Gabriel’s reaction suggested his shot landed close to the pin, as he urged the ball to roll nearer.
While enjoying the golf outing, Gabriel quickly returned to work as the Browns resumed organized team activities (OTAs) on Tuesday. Drafted in the third round, Gabriel has a real chance to earn a spot on Cleveland’s offense.
Gabriel faces competition from fellow rookie Shedeur Sanders, as well as veterans Joe Flacco and Kenny Pickett, for the starting quarterback role. The Browns also have Deshaun Watson, who is recovering from a ruptured Achilles tendon, making the quarterback room a crowded one. Still, Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski praised the rookie quarterbacks for their work ethic and eagerness to learn.
“Those guys are doing great,” Stefanski said at the golf event when asked about Gabriel and Sanders. “They’re wired to get in early, stay late, and put in whatever work is required. They’re sponges in the meeting room, which is really fun for me.”
Stefanski added, “I get to watch the two young guys sit alongside Joe [Flacco], who’s 40 and a Super Bowl winner, Kenny Pickett, a first-round pick entering his fourth year, and Deshaun [Watson], who has had a lot of success. They can feed off those guys. It’s fun to watch them improve just by listening.”
Although Gabriel and Sanders still have a long way to go before they are ready to contribute significant playing time, they appear to be building a positive relationship instead of just competing.
Earlier in the offseason, Sanders shared his impressions of Gabriel in an interview with SportCasting’s DJ Siddiqui. “Everything’s been cool,” Sanders said. “He’s a cool person. I like how he handles situations, especially the negative media. I’m just happy he stays positive and handles everything well. We’re truly cool.”
Sanders was a popular prospect in the 2025 NFL Draft, but the Browns surprised many by selecting Gabriel in the third round and Sanders in the fifth. The question remains: which rookie quarterback, if either, will start for Cleveland this season?
