Cleveland Browns quarterback Dillon Gabriel got in big trouble after an interview during pre-season where he seemed to throw shade to another rookie, Shedeur Sanders, who is NFL star Deion Sanders’ son.
Gabriel’s words, said at a midgame interview, sparked backlash and upset Deion’s friend, Dr. Cheyenne Bryant, much.
The unfortunate talk that cause the drama
In his first preseason game against the Philadelphia Eagles, Gabriel got 13 of 18 passes for 143 yards with one interception. Still, it was his talk after the game that got eyes on him.
He said, “There are entertainers and there are competitors, and I totally understand that. And my job is to compete, and that’s what I’m focused on doing.” He did not mention Shedeur Sanders’ name like that, but many interpreted he was hinting at his way of behaving in public and his play style.
After everything turned against him, Gabriel tried to clear up his words, saying he did not aim at anyone at all. He talked up his love for good play and teamwork, trying to calm the tumbling waters his first words made.
Dr. Cheyenne Bryant’s honest opinion
Even after Gabriel tried to set things right, Dr. Cheyenne Bryant, close to Deion Sanders, hit back fast. On an Instagram post by SportsCenter, she wrote, “Focus on throwing the rock to your receiver and not shots at Shedeur! Mr. Pick 6 x Fumble.” She called out Gabriel’s own game mistakes while backing Sanders.
Both Gabriel and Sanders were picked by the Browns in the 2025 NFL Draft, Gabriel at No. 94 and Sanders at No. 144. Both, with experienced hands like Joe Flacco’s and Kenny Pickett’s, are trying to become the main quarterback. The stress and tension between Gabriel and Sanders adds heat to the fight in Cleveland for the top throwing spot.
The talk between Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders, with Dr. Cheyenne Bryant stepping in, makes the race for the Browns’ main quarterback spot even more fierce. As the preseason moves on, and the real season approaches, everyone will watch their games to see how Gabriel and Sanders deal with the stress and if this particular situation will change how they perform on the field.
The final chance to learn
The Cleveland Browns will finish their 2025 preseason with a home game against the Los Angeles Rams on Saturday, August 23, at Huntington Bank Field. This final matchup will be a crucial test for the already addressed quarterback competition between Dillon Gabriel, Shedeur Sanders, and Kenny Pickett.
Coach Kevin Stefanski plans to use the game as a “dress rehearsal” before the regular season opener against the Cincinnati Bengals on September 7.
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