Stephen A. Smith slams Dillon Gabriel over “Entertainer” comment as Browns QB competition with Shedeur Sanders turns controversial

Cleveland Browns rookie quarterback Dillon Gabriel is learning quickly how every word can carry weight in the NFL spotlight. After a CBS Sports interview, his comment about “entertainers and competitors” went viral, sparking debate across social media.

What was meant as a simple explanation about media appearances turned into speculation about teammate Shedeur Sanders and criticism from ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith.

Dillon Gabriel faces media spotlight after viral “Entertainer vs. Competitor” comment

During his media session, Gabriel admitted he’s still getting used to cameras and headlines. “There are entertainers and there are competitors,” he said. “My job is to compete and that’s what I’m doing. I just want to be the best teammate that I can.”The phrasing led many to believe he was indirectly calling out Sanders, the highly touted Browns quarterback and son of Deion Sanders.

But Gabriel quickly clarified he was speaking about the media, not teammates. “Entertainers are you all,” he told reporters. “A competitor, that’s what I am along with all my teammates. We both have jobs to do.”

Stephen A. Smith criticizes Dillon Gabriel over controversial media comment

Despite Gabriel’s clarification, ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith criticized the remark on First Take. While agreeing Gabriel wasn’t targeting Sanders, Smith argued the rookie had essentially picked an unnecessary fight with the media.

“It was stupid. A very dumb comment to make,” Smith said. He warned Gabriel that reporters will not forget, especially on days when his performance dips.Smith’s blunt response amplified the story, ensuring Gabriel’s words remain under the microscope as the Browns continue their quarterback evaluations.

Rookie QB Dillon Gabriel faces pressure in Browns’ quarterback battle

Gabriel’s comments came just as the spotlight on Cleveland’s quarterback competition grows. The rookie made his NFL debut against the Philadelphia Eagles, completing 13-of-18 passes for 143 yards but also throwing a costly pick-six.

With fans and analysts already comparing him to Sanders, every play and every word is magnified.Also Read: Ashton Jeanty injury update: Raiders rookie RB back after preseason scare against 49ersFor Gabriel, the challenge is balancing on-field development with off-field perception. His goal, as he emphasized, is to be the best teammate possible and let competition play out naturally. But in today’s media-driven NFL, soundbites can define narratives as much as stats.