Dillon Gabriel (Image Via Getty)
Dillon Gabriel is starting something new, and this time it has nothing to do with throwing passes for the Cleveland Browns. The young quarterback is helping launch the first Hawai‘i Gridiron Games, a community football event set for March 19, 2026, at Mililani High School in Hawai‘i.
The event is powered by the I’m Inspired Foundation, which Dillon Gabriel founded. As soon as the announcement went live, his fiancée Zo Caswell showed her support. She reposted the foundation’s message on Instagram and wrote, “Proud of u @dilongabriel.” While questions still remain about his NFL future, Dillon Gabriel is clearly focused on giving back to the place where his football journey began. And through it all, Zo Caswell continues to stand right beside him.
Dillon Gabriel balances Cleveland Browns uncertainty with Hawai‘i Gridiron Games mission
The Hawai‘i Gridiron Games will feature a Big Man Showdown, a boys 7-on-7 football game, and a girls flag football showcase with two OIA-sanctioned matchups. Kickoff is scheduled for 3:30 p.m. HST at Mililani High School. Official partners include Love’s, Raising Cane’s, and Hawaii Pacific Health. The event will also support the Books & Beyond literacy program.Dillon Gabriel created the I’m Inspired Foundation to help young athletes in Hawai‘i.
Using part of his NIL earnings during college, he has donated new uniforms to Mililani High School and funded programs for underprivileged children. His goal has been simple, give local kids better chances through sports and education. Zo Caswell has been part of that journey since high school. She supported him during his college career with the Oregon Ducks and stayed by his side when he was drafted by the Cleveland Browns in the third round of the 2024 NFL Draft. The couple got engaged in September 2024 and plan to marry in the summer of 2026. Meanwhile, Dillon Gabriel’s role with the Cleveland Browns is still not fully settled. During his rookie season, he started six games and finished with a 1-5 record. He threw for 937 yards, seven touchdowns, and two interceptions. He protected the ball fairly well but averaged 5.1 yards per attempt, and the offense struggled to create big plays during his starts.Veteran quarterback Deshaun Watson remains in the picture, and rookie Shedeur Sanders has also drawn attention in offseason discussions. In a recent Q&A, Browns reporter Tony Grossi wrote, “Competes with Watson and Sanders for the starting job, and if he doesn’t win it, remains on the roster as a backup.”For now, Dillon Gabriel’s NFL path may feel uncertain. But back home in Hawai‘i, his purpose is clear. He is building something that goes far beyond football.
