WWE superstar and Cleveland native Mike “The Miz” Mizanin didn’t like the insinuation that Oregon Ducks football legend and the Browns’ third-round draft pick, Dillon Gabriel, is a “professional backup.”
Mizanin condemned that narrative during our interview last week during a press tour for the 2025 American Century Championship, where golf fans can check out over 90 other athletes and celebrities on NBC, Peacock, and The GOLF Channel.
“They always say Dillon Gabriel is a ‘professional backup.’ Who’s to say that? We don’t know. We’ve only seen him in the NFL in rookie OTAs. That really doesn’t say much,” the Miz said.
“I’m curious to see what he does and how his play transfers to the NFL. I know people are like, ‘Oh he’s short.’ But there’ve been short quarterbacks that have been very successful in the NFL. I think he has the work ethic that allowed him to be successful at Oregon, and hopefully it’ll come here.”
The Miz revealed he wanted Travis Hunter with the Browns’ No. 2 pick, which was traded to the Jacksonville Jaguars, who ended up taking the 2024 Heisman Trophy winner with the second overall selection, but was satisfied with Cleveland picking Michigan DT Mason Graham with the No. 5 pick landed in the Jags deal.
The Miz also reiterated his satisfaction with the Browns’ selection of Shedeur Sanders in the fifth round.
“The way I see it, him being drafted in the third round…the Browns went after who they wanted. That’s the quarterback they wanted. We got amazing value with Shedeur. I thought Shedeur was going in the top five. I wanted Travis Hunter in the first round, and then I wanted to trade up before the Pittsburgh Steelers and draft Shedeur. The fact that we got him in the fifth round, and not to mention, someone to add to Myles Garrett’s defensive line (in Mason Graham), I am stoked at the draft and what we got for that second pick was incredible. We got a steal. I’m really excited to see what the Browns do this year,” Mizanin said.
Mizanin not only shared excitement about what Shedeur and “Prime Time” can bring to Cleveland, but the Miz was ecstatic about the Browns’ overall draft performance.
One of Cleveland’s most notable sports fans in entertainment approves. Let’s see if the Browns can finally deliver their passionate and knowledgeable fan base a winner.