Brief Introduction of Dillon Gabriel
Dillon Gabriel is a professional American football quarterback for the Cleveland Browns of the National Football League (NFL). He is widely recognized for his prolific and record-setting collegiate career that spanned six seasons with three different universities: the University of Central Florida (UCF), the University of Oklahoma, and the University of Oregon. Known for his accuracy, leadership, and dual-threat capabilities, Gabriel established himself as one of the most productive quarterbacks in college football history. He concluded his collegiate journey holding several NCAA records, including the most career total touchdowns. His success at the amateur level culminated in him being selected by the Cleveland Browns in the third round of the 2025 NFL Draft, marking the beginning of his professional football career.
Dillon Gabriel Overview
| Full Name | Dillon Gabriel |
| Date of Birth | December 28, 2000 |
| Age(as of 2025) | 24 |
| Birthplace | Mililani, Hawaii, U.S. |
| Profession | American Football Quarterback |
| Husband/Wife | Zoe Caswell |
| Family | Garrett Gabriel (Father), Dori Gabriel (Mother) |
| Relationship/Affairs(GF/BF) | Married |
| Net Worth | Estimated to be around $4 million to $6 million |
Early Life and Education of Dillon Gabriel
Dillon Gabriel was born on December 28, 2000, in Mililani, Hawaii, to Garrett and Dori Gabriel. Football was ingrained in his life from a young age, largely due to his father’s own successful football career. Garrett Gabriel was a standout quarterback for the University of Hawaii in the late 1980s and early 1990s. This paternal influence provided Dillon with invaluable exposure to the intricacies of the quarterback position from his formative years. Gabriel attended Mililani High School, where he quickly emerged as a football prodigy. During his high school career, he amassed an impressive 9,948 passing yards and 105 touchdowns, setting a new state record for career passing yards. His exceptional performance on the field did not go unnoticed, as he was named the Gatorade Hawaii High School Football Player of the Year in 2018. Despite his high school accolades, he was generally regarded as a three-star recruit by major recruiting services. He initially committed to play for Army-West Point before ultimately signing with the University of Central Florida (UCF).
Dillon Gabriel’s Career
Dillon Gabriel’s collegiate career was extensive and highly successful, playing for three different universities over six seasons. He began his journey at UCF in 2019, where he made an immediate impact as a true freshman. After taking over as the starting quarterback in the first game, he led the Knights to a 10-3 record and a victory in the Gasparilla Bowl. He continued to excel in his sophomore year, leading the nation in passing yards per game. His junior season in 2021 was cut short by a broken clavicle. Following his injury, Gabriel entered the transfer portal and initially committed to UCLA before flipping his decision to the University of Oklahoma. This move reunited him with his former UCF offensive coordinator, Jeff Lebby. In his two seasons with the Sooners, Gabriel was a prolific passer, earning the Big 12 Offensive Newcomer of the Year award in 2022 and first-team All-Big 12 honors in 2023. For his final year of eligibility, Gabriel transferred to the University of Oregon. His lone season with the Ducks was arguably his best, as he led the team to an undefeated regular season and a Big Ten Championship. He was named the Big Ten Offensive Player of the Year and was a finalist for the Heisman Trophy. He concluded his collegiate career with numerous NCAA records, including the most career total touchdowns and the most games started by a quarterback in FBS history. His 18,722 career passing yards rank second all-time in FBS history. His stellar collegiate career positioned him as a notable prospect for the 2025 NFL Draft, where he was selected by the Cleveland Browns in the third round with the 94th overall pick. He was named the starting quarterback for the Browns in Week 5 of his rookie season.
Dillon Gabriel Personal Life & Family
Dillon Gabriel’s family has been a significant source of support throughout his football journey. His father, Garrett Gabriel, a former quarterback for the University of Hawaii, mentored him from a young age. His mother, Dori Gabriel, has also been a constant presence, often traveling long distances to attend his games. Gabriel has two brothers, Garrison and Roman. He is of ethnic native Hawaiian descent and often pays tribute to his heritage. Gabriel is married to his high school sweetheart, Zoe Caswell. The couple, who have been together since they were teenagers, got engaged in September 2024 and married shortly after. Caswell has been a supportive partner throughout his college career, moving with him from Oklahoma to Oregon and then to Cleveland. Gabriel is known for his down-to-earth personality and his commitment to giving back to his community. He has used a portion of his Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) earnings to support his high school’s sports programs.
Awards and Achievements of Dillon Gabriel
- First-team All-American (2024)
- Big Ten Most Valuable Player (2024)
- Big Ten Offensive Player of the Year (2024)
- Big Ten Quarterback of the Year (2024)
- First-team All-Big Ten (2024)
- First-team All-Big 12 (2023)
- Big 12 Offensive Newcomer of the Year (2022)
- Second-team All-Big 12 (2022)
- Second-team All-AAC (2020)
- Heisman Trophy Finalist (2024)
- Gatorade Hawaii High School Football Player of the Year (2018)
Dillon Gabriel Net Worth and Income
As of 2025, Dillon Gabriel’s net worth is estimated to be between $4 million and $6 million. A significant portion of his wealth comes from his rookie contract with the Cleveland Browns, a four-year deal worth approximately $6.22 million, which included a signing bonus of over $1.16 million. Prior to his professional career, Gabriel had a substantial income from Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals during his college years, with an estimated valuation of $1.9 million. He had endorsement deals with major brands such as Nike, Beats by Dre, and Uber. His income sources are a combination of his NFL salary, signing bonus, and various endorsements.
Legacy and Influence
Dillon Gabriel has already carved out a significant legacy in college football as one of the most productive quarterbacks in the history of the sport. His name is etched in the NCAA record books for career total touchdowns and games started by a quarterback. His journey through three different universities, and his success at each stop, highlights his adaptability and consistent high level of play. Gabriel’s success has also served as an inspiration for aspiring athletes from his home state of Hawaii. He has demonstrated a commitment to giving back to his community, using his platform and earnings to support his alma mater, Mililani High School. As he transitions to his professional career with the Cleveland Browns, he carries the weight of his collegiate accomplishments and the potential to make a lasting impact at the highest level of the sport.
Interesting Facts about Dillon Gabriel
- He was named after former NFL Pro Bowl running back Corey Dillon.
- His father, Garrett, was also a successful college quarterback at the University of Hawaii.
- He broke Tua Tagovailoa’s Hawaii state high school record for career passing yards.
- During his time at the University of Oregon, he famously drove a minivan, which he bought to be able to drive his offensive linemen around.
- He has used a significant portion of his NIL earnings for charitable purposes, including donating new uniforms and equipment to his high school.
- He initially committed to play college football at Army-West Point.
- He is a left-handed quarterback.
Controversies
There are no publicly known major controversies involving Dillon Gabriel. He has maintained a positive public image throughout his high school, college, and early professional career.
Social Media Presence
- Instagram – Approximately 169,000 followers
- Twitter – Approximately 68,700 followers
- YouTube – Information not publicly available
Final Words about Dillon Gabriel
Dillon Gabriel’s journey from a record-setting high school quarterback in Hawaii to a starting quarterback in the NFL is a testament to his talent, work ethic, and resilience. His collegiate career was nothing short of historic, leaving an indelible mark on the NCAA record books. As he embarks on his professional career with the Cleveland Browns, Gabriel carries the experience of a seasoned veteran, having played in more college games than any quarterback before him. His accuracy, leadership, and proven ability to adapt to new systems and challenges will be crucial as he navigates the rigors of the NFL. Off the field, his character and commitment to his family and community have earned him widespread respect. The next chapter of Dillon Gabriel’s football story is just beginning, and many will be watching to see if his remarkable success continues at the professional level.