Dillon Gabriel goes viral for in-game comments viewed as shot at Shedeur Sanders

During Saturday’s preseason game between the Cleveland Browns and Philadelphia Eagles, Dillon Gabriel addressed the opportunity he had by starting the matchup. He specifically mentioned “entertainers and competitors,” which some viewed as a shot at Shedeur Sanders.

Gabriel discussed his mindset as he goes through the Browns’ quarterback competition with Sanders, Joe Flacco and Kenny Pickett in the room. His focus is simply on competing and trying to lift the rest of his teammates up in the process.

As a leader, Gabriel said he wants to make sure everyone is in position to succeed. While there are also “entertainers” out there, he fits more of the “competitor” mold.

“It’s just part of it,” Gabriel said. “There’s entertainers and there’s competitors. And I totally understand that. My job is to compete. That’s what I’m focused on doing. Of course, we’re doing this mid-game, but it’s something that I’ll get used to.

“Just want to be the best teammate I can and create an environment where we all can go do our best work. That’s all we want to do.”

After the comments made their way across social media, Gabriel received a question about them in the postgame press conference. He made it clear they were not about anyone in particular, but rather about the role of the media – though not necessarily in a bad way.

Gabriel sees the media role as “entertaining,” and he respects the job they have to do. However, as a competitor on the field, he’s keeping his focus on getting his job done, as well.

"All you in this room [media members] are entertainers… I'm a competitor."

Dillon Gabriel clarifies who he was referring to in his "entertainers and competitors" comment during his mid-game interview that drew attention. pic.twitter.com/7GbVCzQAj1

— Yahoo Sports (@YahooSports) August 16, 2025

“All of you in this room are entertainers,” Gabriel said after the game. “And you have a job to do, and I respect it. I’m a competitor, so I have a job to do, as well. I think just understanding that, that’s how I’ve lived by it and I’ve said that multiple times. Definitely not a new quote, but something that I’ve definitely said before.”

When asked about social media’s reaction to the in-game comments, Dillon Gabriel reiterated his desire to be a good teammate and help lift everyone up. That’s why his focus is on competing.

“First off, I’m all about our team, each other,” Gabriel said. “I would never mean that. I’ve said it before. That’s why it’s interesting. For me, I’ve explained it. Entertainers are you all. Competitor, that’s what I am and all my teammates. We all have jobs to do. That’s it.”