![Shedeur Sanders [L] | Dillon Gabriel [R] | Shannon Sharpe [Inset] (Credits: @Imagn)](https://collegefootballnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/08-17-25.png)
Dillon Gabriel started a firestorm with his postgame interview after the ex-Oregon quarterback made a shining NFL debut. After the Cleveland Browns achieved a 22-13 preseason win over the reigning Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles, Gabriel’s postgame remarks about being “a competitor, not an entertainer” quickly sparked debate, with many, including ex-NFL star Shannon Sharpe, wondering if they were aimed at rookie teammate Shedeur Sanders.
On his “Nightcap” show, Sharpe addressed Gabriel’s viral moment head-on. He could not believe that the ‘entertainer’ tag was meant at the media, as clarified by Gabriel in his postgame presser.
“I think he was taking a shot at Shedeur,” claimed Sharpe, adding, “When have we ever thought about the media, those beat writers, as entertainers?”
Sharpe questioned why Sanders would even be labeled that way.
“At what point has Shedeur been an entertainer? He’s a football player as well,” Sharpe said.
The former NFL tight-end noted how perceptions of Sanders’ confident persona sometimes overshadow his on-field performance.
“Sometimes it seeps out — if you’ve been around people who perceive other people as that. If you’re not careful, you’ll repeat what you’ve heard.”
Gabriel was picked by the Browns in the third round of the 2025 NFL Draft in April. He started against Philadelphia with Joe Flacco resting and Shedeur Sanders and Kenny Pickett sidelined by injuries.
Dillon Gabriel vs. Shedeur Sanders: NFL Preseason Debut Comparison
The Cleveland Browns got their first real look at both rookie quarterbacks, Shedeur Sanders and Dillon Gabriel, during the 2025 preseason. While the two rookies delivered very different performances, each showed why the front office was eager to draft them.
Sanders set the tone in the opener against Carolina, playing with poise beyond his years. He finished 14-of-23 for 138 yards and two touchdowns, while also striking twice to Kaden Davis, including one in a tight-window throw in the red zone. The ex-Colorado star took two sacks, but his accuracy on a 30-yard sideline dart to Luke Floriea and his ability to move the chains on scrambles couldn’t shadow his natural playmaking instincts.
One week later, Gabriel took his turn against the reigning champion Eagles. The third-rounder converted multiple third downs as he spread the ball to eight receivers. He finished 13-of-18 for 143 yards. However, his night carried blemishes, including a pick-six and a fumbled exchange in the backfield. Despite the setbacks, Gabriel managed to bounce back with a two-minute drill before halftime to set up points.
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