Dillon Gabriel Shifts Focus to Community with Hawai‘i Gridiron Games Launch
Cleveland Browns quarterback Dillon Gabriel is embarking on a new venture that has nothing to do with his professional football career. The young athlete is helping launch the inaugural Hawai‘i Gridiron Games, a community football event scheduled for March 19, 2026, at Mililani High School in Hawai‘i.
Foundation and Family Support
The event is powered by the I’m Inspired Foundation, which Dillon Gabriel founded. His fiancée, Zo Caswell, immediately showed her support when the announcement went live. She reposted the foundation’s message on Instagram with the caption, “Proud of u @dilongabriel.”
While questions persist about his NFL future, Dillon Gabriel is clearly dedicated to giving back to the community where his football journey began. Throughout this process, Zo Caswell continues to stand firmly by his side.
Event Details and Community Impact
The Hawai‘i Gridiron Games will feature several exciting components:
- A Big Man Showdown
- A boys 7-on-7 football game
- 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, emphasizing the connection between sports and education.
Dillon Gabriel’s Philanthropic Journey
Dillon Gabriel created the I’m Inspired Foundation to assist young athletes in Hawai‘i. Utilizing part of his Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) earnings from his college days, he has already made significant contributions:
- Donated new uniforms to Mililani High School
- Funded programs for underprivileged children
His mission has been straightforward: provide local youth with improved opportunities through sports and education. Zo Caswell has been an integral part of this journey since their high school years. She supported him throughout his college career with the Oregon Ducks and remained by his side when he was drafted by the Cleveland Browns in the third round of the 2024 NFL Draft.
Personal Life and NFL Uncertainty
The couple got engaged in September 2024 and plans to marry in the summer of 2026. Meanwhile, Dillon Gabriel’s role with the Cleveland Browns remains unsettled. During his rookie season, he started six games, finishing with a 1-5 record. His statistics included:
- 937 passing yards
- 7 touchdowns
- 2 interceptions
While he protected the ball reasonably well, he averaged only 5.1 yards per attempt, and the offense struggled to generate big plays during his starts.
Veteran quarterback Deshaun Watson remains in contention for the starting position, and rookie Shedeur Sanders has also garnered attention in offseason discussions. In a recent Q&A, Browns reporter Tony Grossi noted, “Competes with Watson and Sanders for the starting job, and if he doesn’t win it, remains on the roster as a backup.”
Looking Ahead
For now, Dillon Gabriel’s NFL path may appear uncertain. However, back home in Hawai‘i, his purpose is unmistakably clear. He is building something that extends far beyond the football field, creating lasting impact through community engagement and youth development.
