Dillon Gabriel's NFL comeback: A new coach, an engagement, and a fresh start in Cleveland
Cleveland Browns quarterback Dillon Gabriel is heading into his second NFL season with a new head coach and a recent engagement. The 24-year-old, drafted in 2024, has already faced highs and lows on the field—including a concussion that sidelined him last year. Off the pitch, he and fiancée Zo Caswell, his partner since middle school, are celebrating their engagement after years together.
Gabriel and Caswell’s relationship began in middle school and lasted through long-distance challenges. While he played for the UCF Knights from 2019 to 2021, the couple stayed connected despite the miles. Their bond continued as Gabriel transferred to the Oregon Ducks for the 2024 season before entering the NFL Draft.
The Cleveland Browns selected Gabriel with the 94th pick in 2024. By October that year, he had earned the starting quarterback role. His season took a turn in Week 11, however, when a concussion forced him out of action. Shedeur Sanders stepped in as his replacement. Recovering from injury, Gabriel has since shared glimpses of his life in Cleveland—from training sessions to personal moments. Meanwhile, the Browns made changes of their own, hiring former Ravens offensive coordinator Todd Monken as head coach in January 2025.
Gabriel now prepares for his second NFL campaign under a new coaching staff. His engagement to Caswell marks another milestone in a relationship that has spanned over a decade. With his concussion behind him, the quarterback will look to reclaim his starting position in the upcoming season.
