News Summary
Cleveland Browns rookie quarterback Dillon Gabriel has changed his jersey number to No. 8 in honor of his past and his college achievements. Previously wearing No. 5, Gabriel now embraces the number that he wore during his college career at Oklahoma and Oregon. This change follows the trade of former quarterback Kenny Pickett, allowing Gabriel to step up as the backup quarterback behind Joe Flacco. With his performance catching the eye of the coaching staff, Gabriel is competing alongside fellow rookie Shedeur Sanders as the Browns prepare for the upcoming season.
Cleveland
The Cleveland Browns’ rookie quarterback, Dillon Gabriel, has officially changed his jersey number to No. 8 following the trade of former quarterback Kenny Pickett to the Las Vegas Raiders. Gabriel initially donned the No. 5 jersey but decided to switch numbers to honor his past and embrace his new role within the team.
Dillon Gabriel wore No. 8 during his college career at the Oklahoma Sooners and the Oregon Ducks, making this change more meaningful for him. The number was previously associated with Pickett, who had worn it for the Browns before his departure. Gabriel received permission to wear No. 8 at Oregon from legendary quarterback Marcus Mariota, which he considers a badge of respect and appreciation for the Heisman Trophy winner.
The Browns traded Pickett to the Raiders in exchange for a fifth-round pick following an injury to quarterback Aidan O’Connell. In response, the team released quarterback Tyler Huntley and added Bailey Zappe to the practice squad to bolster their depth. With this trade, Gabriel has moved up the Browns’ depth chart and is now positioned as the backup quarterback behind veteran Joe Flacco.
Rookie Competition
During the preseason, Gabriel’s performance captured the attention of the coaching staff, and he is now in competition for playing time with fellow rookie Shedeur Sanders, who currently holds the position of QB3 on the roster. Both quarterbacks have the opportunity to learn from Flacco, a seasoned player, enhancing their development as they prepare for the opening game against the Cincinnati Bengals on September 7, 2025.
Supporting Facts and Background
Gabriel hails from Mililani, Hawaii, and has often expressed his admiration for Marcus Mariota, the only Heisman Trophy winner in Oregon’s history. Furthermore, during his final season at Oregon, Gabriel was a finalist for the prestigious Heisman Trophy award, showcasing his skill and potential as a quarterback.
The team’s decision to make changes to jersey numbers has also affected other players. Rayshawn Jenkins has taken over the No. 5 jersey, while Isaiah Bond has switched from No. 81 to No. 16. Additionally, kicker Andre Szmyt has changed his number from No. 47 to No. 25. Notably, fans quickly noticed Gabriel’s jersey change, as it is no longer available for purchase on the official NFL shop.
Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski has expressed his confidence in Gabriel’s abilities, affirming his role as the primary backup. With both Gabriel and Sanders emerging as promising talents, the Browns are creating a strong quarterback lineup that can contribute to the team’s success in the upcoming season.
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Additional Resources
- Cleveland.com: Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders
- Wikipedia: Dillon Gabriel
- Heavy.com: Dillon Gabriel and Joe Flacco
- Google Search: Dillon Gabriel
- Browns Nation: Dillon Gabriel’s Jersey Number Change
- Google Scholar: Dillon Gabriel
- Heavy.com: Dillon Gabriel Jersey Change
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Dillon Gabriel
Author: STAFF HERE CLEVELAND WRITER
CLEVELAND STAFF WRITER The CLEVELAND STAFF WRITER represents the seasoned team at HERECleveland.com, your premier source for actionable local news and information in Cleveland, Cuyahoga County, and beyond, delivering "news you can use" with in-depth coverage of product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news impacting the region—backed by years of expert reporting and robust community input, including local press releases and business updates, while providing top reporting on high-profile events like the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductions, Cleveland International Film Festival, and holiday parades, alongside key organizations such as the Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland Orchestra, and Great Lakes Science Center, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and healthcare like Sherwin-Williams and University Hospitals, and as part of the broader HERE network including HEREDayton.com, offering comprehensive, credible insights into Ohio's vibrant landscape. HERE Cleveland HERE Dayton
