Rising Stars: Gabriel and Sanders Embrace New Challenges in NFL

As the Cleveland Browns gear up for the upcoming NFL season, two rookie quarterbacks—Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders—are making headlines as they transition from successful college careers to professional football. Both players were selected in last week’s NFL Draft. Gabriel’s path with the Browns started in the third round and Sanders was picked in the fifth round. The individual stories on their paths to the NFL tell a different story of personal triumph. They’ll face it in a very cut-throat QB room.

Shedeur Sanders, Deion’s son, played his first four years at FCS Jackson State before transferring to Colorado along with Deion. Now, he wants nothing more than to show the world that he belongs at the next level. Sanders’ personal endeavors to improve his focus still set Tom Brady’s advice at the forefront. He’s not interested in pleasing others, he’s interested in himself, he’s interested in getting better. He stated, “My job here isn’t to prove people wrong. I’m proving myself right.” His mentality reflects his commitment to develop and grow as a professional. He does it while dealing with the challenges that come with being a first-year player in the league.

Dillon Gabriel will bring plenty of experience to the Browns. He’s experienced after playing six years and 63 starts at Oregon, Oklahoma and UCF. Draft analysts were undoubtedly shocked at his selection as most had him pegged as a Day 3 pick. This unexpected twist may have rattled many athletes, Gabriel won’t let it affect his outlook going into each practice every day, feeling like a starter. He acknowledges the competitive atmosphere within the quarterback room, which includes established names like Kenny Pickett, Joe Flacco, and Deshaun Watson.