Browns Reporter Caught Mocking Rookie QB Gabriel’s Height

Cleveland Browns rookie quarterback Dillon Gabriel, drafted in the third round of the 2025 NFL Draft, has faced scrutiny over his height, which dropped from 6 feet in college to 5-foot-11 at the NFL Scouting Combine. During a recent rookie minicamp press conference, Chris Easterling of the Akron Beacon Journal was caught on a hot mic joking that he was taller than Gabriel, sparking backlash from fans who defended the quarterback and criticized the reporter's unprofessional behavior. Browns General Manager Andrew Berry emphasized that Gabriel's on-field skills and production outweighed concerns about his stature, noting his accuracy, poise, and mobility. Despite height skepticism, Gabriel is competing for the Browns' starting quarterback position against Shedeur Sanders, Joe Flacco, and Kenny Pickett. Coach Kevin Stefanski praised both Gabriel and Sanders during minicamp, highlighting the team's investment in their quarterbacks' development. The incident echoes past controversies involving Browns reporters mocking quarterbacks' height, but Easterling's comment is viewed as less severe and possibly a spontaneous reaction to standing next to a shorter athlete.