Cleveland Browns rookie quarterback Dillon Gabriel went viral this weekend for comments he made during the team’s preseason game against the Philadelphia Eagles, saying he’s a competitor, not an entertainer.
Many assumed his remarks were aimed at fellow rookie QB Shedeur Sanders. While Gabriel clarified that his comments were directed at the media, a former Super Bowl champion still isn’t sure what the point of saying it was.
Super Bowl Champion Criticizes Dillon Gabriel Over Preseason Comments
During the Browns’ Week 2 preseason matchup with the Eagles, Gabriel was interviewed on the field and set the internet ablaze with a comment he made.
“There’s entertainers, and there’s competitors, and I totally understand that, but my job is to compete,” Gabriel said.
“There’s entertainers and there’s competitors and I understand that but my job is to compete,” – Dillon Gabriel on his debut. pic.twitter.com/tbR15F1WBN
— ESPN Cleveland (@ESPNCleveland) August 16, 2025
The comment drew backlash, as many believed it was aimed at Sanders, who is known for loving the spotlight and being an entertainer. The former Oregon quarterback quickly clarified that his remarks were directed at the media.
While it’s a positive sign that Gabriel’s comments weren’t aimed at his teammate, former Super Bowl champion and host of ESPN’s “Unsportsmanlike” podcast, Chris Canty, still had criticism for him, saying he doesn’t understand why the young quarterback is creating a divide with Cleveland’s media.
🔥 Chris Canty. Not Happy With Dillon Gabriel’s Comments
“What was his point? When you are the QB of the team, it’s a leadership position by nature. Not only do you have to be good on the field, but you gotta be good at the podium” https://t.co/qUOr69U91F pic.twitter.com/gbtjDpVUBy
— JaKi 🇺🇸 (@JaKiTruth) August 18, 2025
“Why is it necessary to create an adversarial position with the reporters, with the beat writers?” Canty said. He later added, “When you’re the quarterback of the team, it’s a leadership position by nature. Not only do you have to be good on the field, but you have to be good on the podium.”
It’s a fair critique from Canty, as he’s right about the nature of the NFL. At its core, the league is an entertainment business. The fans watching and the media covering the game are what allow players to play professionally.
It’s even more critical for quarterbacks to understand this, as the position is under constant scrutiny and media attention. They need to be able to coexist with the coverage rather than push against it.
It’s understandable why Gabriel might feel the way he does, and he’s entitled to his opinion. But, as Canty points out, he should keep those feelings private instead of trying to position himself above the media.
Canty notes this should serve as a teaching moment for the rookie quarterback as he continues competing for the Browns’ starting role. Gabriel has one more preseason game to make his case, as the Browns face the Los Angeles Rams on Saturday, August 23.
