It was no secret that Dillon Gabriel wasn't the stereotypical college quarterback that everyone has grown so accustomed to since the world of NIL deals became a reality. In fact, the former Oregon starting quarterback was notorious for driving around in a minivan, a far cry from the sports cars that many QB1s drive.
For Gabriel, his car wasn't just for him, though. It was for his family, his loved ones, his friends, and (arguably most importantly for his time in Eugene) his teammates.
Why does Dillon Gabriel drive a minivan?
Gabriel was well known for his care and love for those around him, prioritizing connections and relationships throughout his collegiate career. The more people he could fit in his car, the better. So, to put it simply, the minivan just made sense.
Now, Gabriel and his go-to minivan brand (yes, that's a real thing for this guy) have made it official. Chrysler and the rookie quarterback signed a deal to make Gabriel a brand ambassador for the Pacifica, Chrysler's minivan model.
Browns rookie QB Dillon Gabriel has signed an deal with Chrysler to become a brand ambassador for the Pacifica minivan.
— Darren Rovell (@darrenrovell) June 30, 2025
Gabriel been on the field with his Pacifica surrounded by his Oregon teammates. The deal was facilitated by leading athlete marketplace @opendorse. pic.twitter.com/YgWcG1rYM0
After getting selected by the Cleveland Browns in the 2025 NFL Draft, Gabriel headed to the next level. Yet, the former Duck has kept his minivan aura about him and continues to rock the Pacifica, now while driving around Cleveland instead of Eugene.
Throughout his time with the Oregon Ducks, Gabriel used his minivan to deliver Beats headphones to the entire football team, as well as to partake in interviews. Once again, the minivan quickly became recognized as more than just a vehicle for the quarterback.
This is far from the first brand deal Gabriel has signed in his already lengthy football career. He has earned sponsorships, NIL deals, and more since joining the UCF Knights in 2019, then transferring to Oklahoma in 2022, and eventually landing with the Ducks in 2024.
Also read: Dillon Gabriel sat down with FanSided to talk all things Oregon, football, and his future
Gabriel is currently competing with fellow rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders, as well as veteran QBs Deshaun Watson, Joe Flacco, and Kenny Pickett, for the starting role in Cleveland. The Browns have yet to truly indicate if they are leaning towards one quarterback more than the rest of the room.