Dillon Gabriel becomes 17th straight Browns QB to lose career debut

Oct 5, 2025; Tottenham, United Kingdom; Cleveland Browns quarterback Dillon Gabriel (8) walks off the field after their loss against the Minnesota Vikings in an NFL International Series game at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Dillon Gabriel fought against fate on Sunday in London in his first start for the Cleveland Browns versus the Minnesota Vikings. A third-round pick from the Oregon Ducks, Gabriel was known for his football IQ and ability to pilot an offense with quick, intelligent throws.

In a constant battle with fellow drafted rookie Shedeur Sanders for the backup spot on the squad, Gabriel held onto his place and was gifted the opportunity to start abroad. While he didn't grab the spotlight and make headlines, as he did in Oregon, composure was the key to his stabilizing a franchise in constant disarray. He kept the Browns in the game throughout, threw for two touchdowns without any interceptions, and played a tidy game in a role that has devoured young quarterbacks in the past.

Gabriel earned himself another start next week against divisional rivals Pittsburgh, but he could not ultimately escape the destiny that has plagued the Browns since they returned to Cleveland in 1999.

Seventeen quarterbacks have made their career debut with the Browns, and all seventeen succumbed to defeat. Gabriel came close to upending the Vikings and their backup, Carson Wentz, but Minnesota edged the game out 21-7 and put the former Duck in the growing legacy of futility of Cleveland.

Gabriel hopes that No. 18 won't have a chance to break the record for a while, and Sanders, lurking in the background, will be thinking he might be the one to put the curse to rest if given the chance.

Cleveland Browns 0-17 Quarterback Debut Timeline