“Family is everything,” says Dillon Gabriel, echoing a sentiment that runs deep in his journey as a quarterback. Dillon, now leading the Oregon Ducks, credits much of his success to the support of his parents, Garrett and Dori Gabriel. Raised in a tight-knit family in Mililani, Hawaii, the love and guidance of his parents, who have been with him every step of the way, have shaped Dillon’s path.

Background of Dillon Gabriel’s parents

Garrett Gabriel, a former quarterback for the University of Hawaii during the late 1980s and early 1990s, left a significant legacy at the school. Having many accolades under his belt, he ranks seventh all-time in passing yards and fifth in touchdown passes for the Rainbow Warriors. Also, Garrett’s firsthand experience in collegiate football provided Dillon with invaluable insights into the game.

On the other hand, despite not having much information about her professional background, Dori Gabriel has always supported her son through kind words and gestures. In an interview, she states, “He has aspirations to play (at the) next level, and I pray and hope that this year he’ll be able to“. Explaining that Dillion wants to move to the NFL soon, and she has nothing but prayers for him.

The Gabriel family’s dedication is evident in their efforts to be present at Dillon’s games despite the challenges posed by long distances. They frequently travel from Hawaii to support him, making every game feel like a family reunion. As covered by Yahoo Sports, Dori often brings leis from Hawaii, symbolizing their heritage and the family’s bond. This tradition highlights the importance of family support in Dillon’s life and the impact on his career.

Influence on career

In an interview with Oklahoma Sooners, Dillon recalls, “He’s just my dad. He loves football. We always talk football together, and he’s just always pushing me to be my best self. I love that about him“. Garrett Gabriel played as a quarterback for the University of Hawaii and his relationship with the game was important for Dillion.

During his time at the University of Central Florida (UCF), Dillon Gabriel showcased his talent by completing 484 passes out of 811 attempts, accumulating 7,223 passing yards and 61 touchdowns. His performance earned him significant recognition and set the stage for his subsequent success. In 2022, after transferring to the University of Oklahoma, Dillon continued to excel, completing 230 of 367 passes for 3,168 yards and 25 touchdowns, earning the Big 12 Offensive Newcomer of the Year award.

In the 2023 season, Dillon’s performance further solidified his reputation as a top quarterback. He completed 266 of 384 passes for 3,660 yards and 30 touchdowns, demonstrating his consistency and prowess on the field​ (Wikipedia). His success at Oklahoma led to his transfer to the University of Oregon, where he is expected to continue his impressive career. Additionally, Dillon’s prominence and recognition in the college football landscape will shine as he features in the EA Sports College Football game for 2025.

The support from his parents has not only helped Dillon excel in college football but also set him up as a promising NFL prospect.