Dillon Gabriel Set to Become Browns 41st Starting Quarterback Since 1999 Return
Browns Quarterback Dillon Gabriel Marks Historic Milestone as 41st Starter Since 1999
The Cleveland Browns are set for an intriguing match-up against the Minnesota Vikings this Sunday morning in London, as starting quarterback Dillon Gabriel takes the field wearing his iconic No. 8 jersey. Notably, this game marks a significant milestone for both Gabriel and the franchise, as he becomes the 41st starting quarterback since the Browns re-entered the NFL in 1999. This figure not only signifies a new chapter in Gabriel’s career but also highlights a persistent challenge for the organization over the past two decades.
Cleveland Browns: A History of Quarterback Changes
The Cleveland Browns have endured an extensive rotation at the quarterback position, with 41 different players stepping into the starting role since 1999. This is 11 more than the next team on the list, the Chicago Bears, who have had just 30 starters in the same timeframe. The frequency of these changes speaks to ongoing struggles within the organization to find stability and consistency at the quarterback position.
List of Starting Quarterbacks for the Cleveland Browns
Here is a comprehensive list of the quarterbacks who have begun as the starting player for the Browns since their return:
- Tim Couch
- Ty Detmer
- Doug Pederson
- Spergon Wynn
- Kelly Holcomb
- Jeff Garcia
- Luke McCown
- Trent Dilfer
- Charlie Frye
- Derek Anderson
- Brady Quinn
- Ken Dorsey
- Bruce Gradkowski
- Colt McCoy
- Jake Delhomme
- Seneca Wallace
- Brandon Weeden
- Thad Lewis
- Jason Campbell
- Brian Hoyer
- Johnny Manziel
- Connor Shaw
- Josh McCown
- Austin Davis
- Cody Kessler
- Robert Griffin III
- DeShone Kizer
- Kevin Hogan
- Baker Mayfield
- Tyrod Taylor
- Case Keenum
- Nick Mullens
- Jacoby Brissett
- Deshaun Watson
- Joe Flacco
- Dorian Thompson-Robinson
- P.J. Walker
- Jeff Driskel
- Jameis Winston
- Bailey Zappe
- Dillon Gabriel
Recent Struggles: Quarterbacks’ First Starts with the Browns
Adding to the narrative of difficulties faced by the Browns in recent years is the fact that the last sixteen quarterbacks to make their first career NFL starts with the team have experienced losses. This trend highlights the challenges that new players face in adapting to the high-pressure environment of professional football.
The last Cleveland quarterback to achieve victory in his inaugural NFL start was Eric Zeier, who accomplished this feat during the final year of the franchise before it relocated to Baltimore in 1996, leading to the formation of the Baltimore Ravens.
As Dillon Gabriel steps onto the field this Sunday, he not only carries the hopes of Cleveland fans but also strives to break the streak of defeats that has shadowed recent starting quarterbacks. All eyes will be on him as the Browns seek to turn the tide and find success in London against the Vikings.
