Former Oregon quarterback Dillon Gabriel made his first NFL start on Saturday against the Philadelphia Eagles, but it wasn’t just his performance on the field that grabbed attention.
Gabriel threw for 143 yards and a pick-six, but it was his mid-game interview that turned heads. The rookie seemed to take a subtle shot at former Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders, who’s also vying for a roster spot.
“There are entertainers, then there are competitors,” Gabriel said. “My job is to compete, and that’s what I’m focused on. I just want to be the best teammate I can and create an environment where we can do our best work.”
Joe Flacco and Kenny Pickett are expected to take the starter and backup roles, leaving Gabriel and Sanders to fight for the third-string spot. Coach Kevin Stefanski hasn’t made a final call on whether all four quarterbacks will stay on the roster.
If not, one could be out of the league in just 10 days—or possibly traded.
Sanders has long been recognized as an “entertainer,” following in the footsteps of his father, Deion “Primetime” Sanders. Gabriel, meanwhile, is establishing a reputation as a competitor focused solely on winning.
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He’s not about the spotlight. Gabriel’s focus is straight on competing.
The rivalry with Sanders is intensifying with every practice, snap, and interview, carrying added significance. While Sanders brings the flash, Gabriel is focused on the grind behind the scenes.
In a fight where every moment matters, he’s making it clear who he believes belongs on the field.