Cleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders took the high road when asked about recent comments from fellow rookie Dillon Gabriel that were perceived as shade.
Gabriel started the Browns’ second preseason game, passing for 143 yards and an interception. After being replaced by Tyler Huntley in the second half, Gabriel did a sideline interview that created a stir.
“You know, there’s entertainers and there’s competitors, and I totally understand that. But my job is to compete. And that’s what I’m focused on doing,” Gabriel said.
In his postgame press conference, Gabriel clarified that his comments were directed at the media, not Sanders, who many recognize as an “entertainer” for his flashy celebrations, off-field ventures and music career. Still, Gabriel has received a hefty serving of criticism for the statement.
Shedeur on Gabriel’s Comment: Not Going to Change My Life
Sanders was asked directly about the comment from Gabriel and said it’s not something he’s spending too much time thinking about.
“Honestly, I don’t even think about anything. Words or anything, you know at this point, can’t do anything to me,” Sanders said Tuesday. “I know that God put the ability and power within me to not even think about nobody else’s comments and not care. It is what it is. I spoke with him. He told me on the plane. He came up to me and was like, ‘Nah, bro, that wasn’t at you. I see how they trying to spin it.’ I’m not gonna lie, I’m not tripping, regardless of whatever it was. Nobody’s words or anything affects me.”
However, Sanders didn’t shut down the narrative that he felt like it could have been a shot at him.
“Um, do I feel like he did? I don’t know. And that’s not on me to sit here and be like, ‘Oh, he did it,’” Sanders said. “That’s not going to change my life in any way.”
Shedeur, Gabriel Get Final Preseason Shot With Browns
The Browns have announced 40-year-old Joe Flacco as their Week 1 starter. However, the team is still establishing the rest of its depth chart and who may be first up if something happens to Flacco.
Gabriel and Sanders will both play in the preseason finale against the Los Angeles Rams on Saturday. Flacco will start, followed by Gabriel and then Sanders. It will be the rookies’ final shot to make an impression before the regular season begins. Kenny Pickett will not play as he continues to work through a hamstring injury.
As for the depth chart, Sanders is not concerned about where he may land.
“Oh, honestly, bro, I really don’t look into that. I don’t care. Whenever it’s time for me to get out there and play, I’mma play,” Sanders said. “Whenever it’s time for the lights to come on, I’m gonna do my thing. I’m not concerned about when it is. I’m not concerned about, you know, how many reps I’m getting at this point, it is what it is because I know when the lights come on, when everything going, when the pressure’s on, you know who I am and I’ll always be that way.”
The Browns kick off their regular season on Sept. 7 against the Cincinnati Bengals.
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