Oregon Transfer Dillon Gabriel Inspires Many at Community Event

Oregon quarterback Dillon Gabriel is staying busy during the offseason of his last year as a college athlete ⎯not just on the football field, but also off the field as well.

Last month, the Oklahoma transfer visited his alma mater, Mililani High School in Oahu, Hawaii to inspire the school’s athletes.

Gabriel gives back to the next generation

“The journey of playing at a young age in Hawai’i to now, you understand that you represent so much more than yourself,” Gabriel told ESPN last week. “I understand that I represent the state of Hawai’i, and everyone who has done it before me has done it that way.”

At an event he calls “I’m Inspired,” Gabriel used his Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) earnings to donate a new set of Nike jerseys and other uniform equipment to the football team.

Gabriel contacted several sports journalists and media outlets to raise awareness of his event.

“I wanted people to hear my story,” Gabriel told 247Sports. “I wanted people to hear from my mouth that this is important. Mililani High School, my experience there was probably the most difficult time of my life in terms of myself and creating a foundation of how I want to be in my life but also how I conducted myself in football. It set me up for success and I’m grateful for that place so I want to pay it forward to all these younger athletes.”

The quarterback even became emotional as he noted his appreciation for his community.

“I love this community, I love this island and I love Hawai’i,” Gabriel said. “It’s special to me. If I can make a small impact and change the trajectory of just one kid’s life — I hope there’s more — but it’s all worth it. It’s all about inspiring the younger generation,” ESPN writes.

“I hope this creates an inspiration to do more, knowing that other people have done it.”

Working his way up

Over the past three years, Gabriel has donated over $250,000 to the school. According to ESPN, he has donated uniforms to multiple sports including softball, girls’ volleyball, and girls’ soccer plus both basketball teams.  

Three years ago, he made his first donation of new uniforms and shoes to the boys basketball team, which his father coaches. At the time, he didn’t have the resources to supply the entire football team.

Dillon added that he wants to contribute even more in the future, noting possible additions of weight rooms, training equipment, and other branding. For now, the uniforms are a good start, though, he says. 

“Look good, feel good, play good,” Gabriel explained. “You’re able to inspire them because they are proud of the product they put on the field and how they look while doing it. Who knows if one uniform can inspire someone to want to play sports that could change their life and get them to the next level to get their college paid for and set themselves up for success,” 247Sports reports.

Although many fans are weary of NIL and its effect on the future of college sports, Gabriel is proving that he can use his earnings to fund the right causes. 

Victoria Jonach is an aspiring writer and media analyst fascinated by what kinds of activities players participate in off the football field. Growing up in New Jersey, she is a New York Giants fan and attends Rutgers University, pursuing a career in Journalism and Media Studies. She writes for FirstRoundMock.com covering anticipated draft picks and their acts of volunteerism, entrepreneurship, and other interests that shape these individuals.