Dillon Gabriel’s start with the Cleveland Browns has been anything but smooth. After a limited week and a half of practice, Gabriel finally stepped onto the field against the Philadelphia Eagles, but the preseason debut quickly turned sour.
What Prompted the Backlash From Browns Fans?
The game began poorly for Gabriel, who threw a pick-six to defensive back Andrew Mukuba early in the second quarter. The troubles continued when Gabriel mishandled a handoff with roughly six minutes remaining in the first half. The loose ball was recovered by Mukuba, securing his second turnover of the day.
However, it was not just Gabriel’s on-field performance that drew criticism. His comments on the sidelines after the game stirred up controversy among some Cleveland Browns fans. Following his time on the field, Gabriel was interviewed about his performance. During the interview, he appeared to take a subtle jab at fellow rookie Shedeur Sanders.
“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
Gabriel’s statement, “There’s entertainers, and there’s competitors, and I understand that, but my job is to compete,” ignited a firestorm on social media. Fans quickly expressed their displeasure, interpreting Gabriel’s words as a perceived insult towards Sanders, casting himself as a competitor and Sanders as an entertainer.
One fan felt it was obvious, stating, “He definitely threw a jab at Sanders lol.”
He definitely threw a jab at Sanders lol 😭😭😭😭
— Jon Jon 👑 (@BIGDAWG2370) August 16, 2025
Another fan shared that sentiment, remarking, “Dude really took a shot across Sanders. Pretty bold for someone who threw a pick 6 and had a fumble.”
Dude really took a shot across Sanders. Pretty bold for someone who threw a pick 6 and had a fumble.
— ThornysNotSoEpic (@DavidTh55139662) August 16, 2025
In addition, one fan pointed out the obvious, noting, “The ‘entertainer’ did more with less.”
The “entertainer” did more with less😂
— Agent Clappers (@GamingGuru1523) August 16, 2025
One fan highlighted what may be a double standard, asking, “LOL just imagine the outrage and backlash Shedeur will get if he said these exact words.”
LOL just imagine the outrage and backlash Shedeur will get if he said these exact words
— Just a Guy (@ii1_ken) August 16, 2025
Another poster went so far as to call Gabriel toxic, writing, “Mediocre, undersized and a toxic teammate to boot.”
Mediocre, undersized and a toxic teammate to boot.
— WallStreetzEsq (@WallStreetz7) August 16, 2025
Gabriel’s loyalty as a teammate was questioned by one poster, who exclaimed, “Dude just threw shade at a teammate. wtf. Gtfo.”
Dude just threw shade at a teammate. wtf. Gtfo
— Dan McFarland (@dan_the_man_018) August 16, 2025
Things intensified when another fan criticized Gabriel’s behavior and added a dig about his height, saying, “No way this midget just threw a shot at his teammate.”
No way this midget just threw a shot at his teammate
— BROWNS 2025 💔 (@4THELANDD) August 16, 2025
One fan offered an insightful perspective, noting that Sanders is both of those things, stating, “Shaduer was both entertaining and competitive tho. Also threw 2 tds, 0 picks. Tell me this wasn’t a shot at him.”
Shaduer was both entertaining and competitive tho. Also threw 2 tds, 0 picks. Tell me this wasn’t a shot at him. 😂
— Camaro ss (@untouchable_06) August 16, 2025
Finally, one fan addressed the elephant in the room, commenting, “This is the type of attitude people like to pretend Shadeur has. I hope he wins QB1, tbh.”
This is the type of attitude people like to pretend Shadeur has. Hope he wins QB1 tbh.
— 🪐 (@cass_trizzash) August 16, 2025
However, Gabriel tried to squash the perceived slight during the postgame press conference.
He clarified his comments, saying, “I’m all about the team. You know, we need each other. I would never make that. And I’ve said it before, in response, it’s interesting. Um, for me, the entertainers are you all (the media). Competitor, that’s what I am and all my teammates and we both (Sanders) have jobs to do.”
#Browns Dillon Gabriel clarifies he meant the media are the entertainers and he’s a competitor and that he wasn’t taking a shot at Shedeur Sanders: “I’m all about the team” pic.twitter.com/I4EVCVmmxR
— Mary Kay Cabot (@MaryKayCabot) August 16, 2025
Regardless of his intentions, Gabriel’s comments have created a stir among a segment of the Browns’ fanbase.
Typically, only strong on-field performance can resolve such issues. Gabriel hopes to showcase improved play next week at home against the Los Angeles Rams in the last preseason game before real competition starts.
