The Cleveland Browns wished backup quarterback Dillon Gabriel a happy birthday ahead of Sunday’s matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers, drawing an interesting reaction.
Gabriel will not be active for the Week 17 matchup against the Steelers. He’s dealing with a shoulder injury that the Browns announced late in the week. The Browns elevated Bailey Zappe from the practice squad to serve as the backup to Shedeur Sanders.
“Gotta love a gameday birthday! Join us in sending good vibes to Dillon,” the post from the Browns read.
It quickly gained traction, with hundreds of comments across social media and many trolling the Browns’ third-round pick.
“Happy BDay. Do a check down for me ASAP!” one fan said.
Another added, “Happy birthday, get well soon as you know about that perfect timing. It waits for no man but it separates the entertainers from competitors.”
“Nice gift, you literally demoted him to 3rd String yesterday,” one fan said.
Others showed support for Gabriel, who started six games this season, going 1-5 while passing for 937 yards, seven touchdowns and two interceptions.
“Best QB on the roster. Argue with a wall,” a fan said.
“I feel bad for Gabriel,” another added. “Fans hated him just because he wasn’t Sanders. He didn’t deserve what our fans did.”
Dillon Gabriel’s Fiancée Faced Backlash for Comments on Browns
What didn’t help Gabriel’s standing with the fans in Cleveland were statements his fiancée made on social media.
After a Week 13 loss to the San Francisco 49ers, Zoe Caswell posted a TikTok video with the caption, “Browns lost what’s new,” along with a crying laughing emoji. Her replies to comments didn’t help her cause, either.
“Actually everyone in the building wants him to play. But you wouldn’t know that [because] you’ve never played in the NFL or been a [coach] right,” Caswell said in response to a comment. She also criticized fans for booing when Gabriel was starting.
Gabriel has not addressed the media since sustaining a concussion in Week 11 against the Baltimore Ravens. He was replaced during that game by Sanders, who has since held onto the starting job.
Browns QB Dillon Gabriel May Need Fresh Start
The Browns lack clarity at quarterback moving forward. Sanders has a chance to earn the starting job next season based on how he finishes the year, while Gabriel’s future is uncertain. He could remain in Cleveland as a backup or become a trade candidate.
“He was overdrafted and shouldn’t be in the team’s plans except as a potential future backup option. Maybe the Browns will choose that route in 2026, or they’ll try to trade Gabriel for a late-round pick to another team seeking a backup,” Zac Jackson of The Athletic said. “The best thing for Gabriel to get a chance to have a real NFL career would be a fresh start somewhere else for his second season. If the Browns have a new coaching staff and front office, that group will have to decide what it thinks about Gabriel and Sanders.”
The Browns also have veteran Deshaun Watson on the roster. The $230 million quarterback was not activated during his 21-day practice window and will not play this season. However, he is expected to be on the roster next season, likely in a backup role once fully healthy.
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