- NFL. Post free agency NFL Mock Draft: Big changes after Chiefs, Ravens plug holes
- NFL. From Geno Smith back to Geno: The shocking list of quarterbacks Jets have started over last 13 seasons
As a fifth round rookie, Shedeur Sanders was never supposed to see the gridiron in his first season. The Cleveland Browns had three quarterbacks ahead of him on the depth chart, one of which was a fellow rookie in Dillon Gabriel. But everything broke right for Sanders.
Veterans Kenny Pickett and Joe Flacco were traded early in the season, and Gabriel suffered a concussion that paved the way for Sanders to take his job. Much was made of Sanders and Gabriel's relationship-rivalry, which was always overblown by the media in their eyes. Ultimately, Sanders won the battle, but 2026 brings new opportunity.
While they haven't been able to assert their dominance on the practice field for new head coach Todd Monken yet, Gabriel has been busy getting things done in his community this offseason.
Dillon Gabriel to host first-ever Hawaii Gridiron Games
Gabriel recently spoke about an upcoming event that's part of his "I'm Inspired" foundation. On March 19, Gabriel will be hosting the "Hawaii Gridiron Games" in his hometown of Mililani. Both boys and girls will be participating in the various events as part of the games, which will be debuting for the first time.
Despite playing college football at UCF, Oklahoma and Oregon, as well as in the NFL with the Browns, Gabriel has never lost touch with his roots. Hawaii has a strong football scene, and Gabriel wants to be a part of it for a long time.