The NFL thrives on its captivating storylines—like one rookie’s mom making waves with her game-day outfit, while another rookie’s dad is in a last-minute scramble for a passport. Two players from completely different backgrounds, yet they share a pivotal moment: stepping into the limelight of the league. For the Cleveland Browns, that spotlight is currently shining on Dillon Gabriel, who’s preparing for his first NFL start in London. But there’s a bittersweet twist to this debut.

Dillon Gabriel shared this week that his parents will not be able to attend his first NFL game against the Minnesota Vikings on October 5. Why? Logistics. His father, Garrett, was not able to secure a passport in time. “So, fun fact: I need to get my dad a passport,” Gabriel joked. With his family living in Hawaii, the time zone difference adds another layer of complexity. “I’ve always been used to it, like when I was in Florida, there was a six-hour difference. Texting family is a little different,” he explained.

Football runs deep in Gabriel’s family. His dad played quarterback at Hawaii, and his mom, Dori, was a standout in college softball. Both have been incredibly proud of Gabriel’s journey. “We feel so blessed to have this chance to watch him grow and live out his dream,” Garrett told Hawaii News Now last December. His mom chimed in, “It’s been a dream he’s pursued for so long. He’s put in so much hard work.”

Now, the Browns are ready to turn the page. With a record of 1-3, they’re in desperate need of an offensive spark. Dillon Gabriel is stepping in for veteran Joe Flacco. And he will also be the first quarterback to debut as a starter in an international game. He’s already got the support of his teammates, with rookie Quinshon Judkins describing him as “super mobile, obviously smart, and super talented.” Even head coach Kevin Stefanski complimented Gabriel on having “worked very hard” and “feeling ready to go as a starter.”

For Gabriel, London is the beginning of his NFL journey. For his family, it’s a missed flight, but not a missed moment.

Why Shedeur Sanders isn’t starting for the Browns after Flacco’s benching

The Cleveland Browns are shaking things up as they gear up for their Week 5 showdown against the Minnesota Vikings in London. Veteran quarterback Joe Flacco is being benched, making way for rookie Dillon Gabriel to step in as the starter.

Flacco, at 40 years old, has had a tough time this season, completing only 58.1% of his passes for 815 yards, with two touchdowns and a whopping six interceptions. It is the second highest in the NFL. The Browns managed just one win and three losses during his four starts. On the other hand, Gabriel has shown some promise in limited play, completing 3 of 4 passes for 19 yards and a touchdown when he came in as a backup. Now, he’s set to make his first career start on an international stage.

This decision also brings attention to fifth-round rookie Shedeur Sanders, who’s currently on the sidelines in the quarterback competition. During training camp, Sanders was the Browns’ No. 4 quarterback, trailing behind Flacco, Kenny Pickett, and Gabriel. After a solid preseason debut where he went 14-of-23 for 138 yards and two touchdowns against Carolina, he faced an oblique injury and struggled significantly against the Rams.

Since then, Sanders has moved up to the third string after the Browns traded Pickett to the Raiders. However, Dillon Gabriel has consistently been ahead of him on the depth chart.