Quarterback Dillon Gabriel Arrives, Embracing Cleveland Browns With Shedeur Sanders

EUGENE — Former Oregon Ducks quarterback and Heisman Trophy finalist Dillon Gabriel has officially started a new chapter in his football career and he is fully embracing his new environment. On Thursday, Gabriel arrived to the Cleveland Browns’ rookie minicamp and it was apparent that the former Duck is embracing his new city.

The Cleveland Browns posted a video to their social media of Gabriel heading in for his first official day as a Brown. Even though Gabriel has never lived in Ohio and has just been in Cleveland for a short amount of time, he walked in wearing a Cleveland Guardians hat.

.@_dillongabriel_ repping the @CleGuardians on Day 1 🙌 pic.twitter.com/k6VTq7JGe8
— Cleveland Browns (@Browns) May 8, 2025

While to many, it might seem like just a hat, it is just one example of just how much Gabriel is willing to dive into any environment headfirst and fully buy in to not only whatever program he is with but the community as well, something Oregon fans saw firsthand upon Gabriel’s arrival to Eugene just a year ago.

Although Gabriel spent just one season with the Ducks, Oregon coach Dan Lanning repeatedly talked about the buy-in he saw from Gabriel. Gabriel had full belief in Lanning, quarterbacks coach Will Stein and the entire system at Oregon. He even called his decision to transfer to Oregon from Oklahoma a “no-brainer.”

“I knew the opportunity,” Gabriel said. “It was really a no-brainer. With everyone coming back and knowing what was coming in as well, it was a no-brainer.”

Jan 28, 2025; Mobile, AL, USA; National team quarterback Dillon Gabriel of Oregon (8) pauses after practice during Senior Bowl practice for the National team at Hancock Whitney Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vasha Hunt-Imagn Images | Vasha Hunt-Imagn Images

Gabriel joins fellow rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders, who Cleveland drafted in the fifth round of the 2025 NFL Draft. It'll be all eyes on how the competition shakes out and the reps are split during NFL rookie minicamp from May 9-11. The Browns also posted a video of Sanders arriving.

Perfect timing for mini camp@ShedeurSanders | #DawgPound pic.twitter.com/Q6zgxwTXL6
— Cleveland Browns (@Browns) May 8, 2025

In just one season under Oregon’s system, Gabriel led the Ducks to new heights. He led Oregon to an undefeated regular season, a Big Ten National Championship and College Football Playoff appearance while also becoming a Heisman finalist.

It’s not just on the field where Gabriel saw success, he was also a key figure in the Eugene community as well. Back in December of 2024, Gabriel took part in ‘Giving Tuesday,’ making a donation and holding a meet-and-greet for KidsSports of Eugene, an organization that works to uplift kids through athletics.

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This is again just one example of Gabriel’s character and his effort to be a part of and make an impact in his community, something that Cleveland’s front office certainly took into account when deciding to draft Gabriel.

Hall of Fame former Cleveland Browns tackle Joe Thomas pumps his fist as he walks on stage to announce the Browns’ second round pick during the 2025 NFL Draft on Friday, April 25, 2025, at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wisconsin. The draft runs through April 26. Tork Mason/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin | Tork Mason / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

After Cleveland drafted him, Gabriel reflected on his time engaging with the Browns during the pre-draft process.

“I think just starting a true relationship with them and I think naturally in this process when you're around them for quite some time, you're able to talk through ball and get to know one another. I truly felt like those relationships were built,” said Gabriel. “Just excited for what's to come, know that when we talk ball and have had conversations, this is right where I need to be. It's perfect the way it played out.”

Despite conversations predicting Gabriel to be one of the last quarterbacks drafted in the 2025 NFL Draft, the former Duck was drafted in the second round as the 5th quarterback drafted. The Cleveland Browns selected Gabriel with the 94th overall pick.

Oregon quarterback Dillon Gabriel throws out a pass during warmups as the Oregon Ducks face the Ohio State Buckeyes Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2025, in the quarterfinal of the College Football Playoff at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, Calif. | Ben Lonergan/The Register-Guard / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Gabriel’s comments about building real relationships with the Browns during the pre-draft process are a direct reflection of the same character and commitment he showed throughout his college career. His willingness to connect with coaches, learn the system, and fully invest in a new environment is nothing new, it’s who he is.

That same mindset was on display the moment he walked into rookie minicamp wearing a Cleveland Guardians hat. To some, it may have seemed like a small gesture, but for Gabriel, it signaled something bigger. It showed his intent to buy into the franchise, the community, and the entire city of Cleveland.

Just like he did in Eugene, Gabriel is showing he's ready to be more than just a quarterback, he’s ready to make an impact.