It’s a new era of Cleveland Browns football with the insertion of Dillon Gabriel into the lineup for this weekend’s game.
After benching veteran quarterback Joe Flacco, Kevin Stefanski is turning to his third-round rookie to lead the franchise into its international Week 5 game in London where the former Oregon star will be tasked with leading Cleveland’s offense to victory against a Brian Flores-coached defense.
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Gabriel completed nearly 68% of his passes for 272 yards with a touchdown and a pair of turnovers in his couple of preseason games — which is head and shoulders above what Flacco has been able to give them to this point through the first month of the season.
May 10, 2025; Berea, OH, USA; Cleveland Browns quarterback Dillon Gabriel (5) talks to the media during rookie minicamp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images© Ken Blaze-Imagn Images
Gabriel comments on starting job
After officially being named the starter on Wednesday, Gabriel fielded questions from the media where he was asked if he feels he’s ready to be thrust into action after four weeks of sitting.
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And the QB’s answer might’ve earned him some new fans in Cleveland:
“You wait for the perfect time, you’re gonna wait a whole lifetime,” Gabriel said, via ESPN.com’s Daniel Oyefusi. “So for me, I’ve always been ready.”
Fans love the rookie’s response
“Wait he’s cold as f—k,” a user replied.
“He cooked w this one 👏🏻” another applauded.
“Nah he actually hates Shedeur 😭😭😭” a fan cried.
“That’s a crafty, meaningful comment right there,” another person said.
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“inject it into my veins,” another user commented.”
Some also took Gabriel’s statement as a veiled jab at third-string quarterback Shedeur Sanders who’s song “Perfect Timing” released last May.
This wouldn’t be the first time the QB has been accused of such things, with his “entertainers vs. competitors” remark from earlier this season.
This story was originally reported by The Spun on Oct 1, 2025, where it first appeared in the NFL section. Add The Spun as a Preferred Source by clicking here.