Dillon Gabriel loses his cool with a viral momento

Dillon Gabriel is learning fast that the NFL leaves no room for hesitation. The rookie quarterback for the Cleveland Browns endured a night full of hits, frustration, and scrutinizing stares during the 23–9 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers. Not only was he sacked six times, but he also found himself at the center of a viral clip: after being taken down by linebacker Patrick Queen, Gabriel appeared to grab Queen’s facemask while both were still on the ground. The moment, brief but intense, was replayed during the broadcast and commented on by J.J. Watt with a dry “interesting end to that play.”

The scene didn’t go unnoticed. On social media, reactions were split—some saw Dillon Gabriel’s move as an understandable emotional response, while others viewed it as a sign that the young passer was losing his composure. The truth is, in just his second start, Gabriel is facing a brutal learning curve. According to Marca, the quarterback admitted he’s not thinking about the “big picture,” but rather how to improve in the moment. “I just want to be the best version of us right now,” he said after the game.

Pressure on his shoulders

The pressure didn’t just come from the field. In the stands sat Shedeur Sanders, another Browns prospect, watching every snap closely. His presence added a layer of tension to the atmosphere, especially as rumors of a potential quarterback switch begin to swirl. Head coach Kevin Stefanski stood by Dillon Gabriel but acknowledged the need to protect him better. “He’s a tough kid. We’ve got to keep him clean,” Stefanski said.

#BROWNS ROOKIE DILLON GABRIEL HIT A #STEELERS DEFENDER.

HAVE NEVER SEEN ANYTHING LIKE THIS BEFORE.

😳😳😳
pic.twitter.com/rW4XW35INw

— MLFootball (@_MLFootball) October 12, 2025

The numbers aren’t helping. Cleveland has scored fewer than 17 points in 11 straight games and is averaging just 13.7 points per contest this season. With a 1–5 record, the Browns will face the Dolphins next week. And Dillon Gabriel will need to prove he can bounce back—not just physically, but mentally.

The NFL doesn’t wait. Every snap, every gesture, every glance matters. And Dillon Gabriel, amid the hits and the cameras, is learning that leadership isn’t improvised. It’s built. Even if it starts from the ground.