Oregon QB Dillon Gabriel gets teary-eyed in press conference after losing his 6-month-old puppy

Oregon Ducks quarterback Dillon Gabriel got teary-eyed discussing the death of his six-month-old puppy.

Gabriel said that his puppy had a stomach issue which proved fatal. Speaking at a press conference, the QB described how heartbreaking this was for him.

"I think when you have friends in your life, even if it's a furry friend, you know, they make you smile a bunch and in a hectic world, I guess, it slows it down for you..."

"I think it's changed my perspective too. You know that just people who go through loss and grieve. I think that they are shy and scared to love, so it makes me more on edge of spreading my arms and trying to bring people in and love them up as much as you can. Because like I said, in this life you want to love hard and enjoy every second."

Gabriel added, in a philosophical vein:

"That's why there's emotion and passion. Not only life, but football. You know, so I choose to still lead with my heart. He's taught me that in a bunch of ways. Wild 48 hours to say the least. But you know you come back and you keep swinging."

Gabriel then added, also in a somber mood, that 'love' is essential to fully experience the joy of living. He talked about the challenges of being a footballer and the need to have emotional support in life.

Gabriel transferred to Oregon to replace Bo Nix for the 2024 season as the team's starting quarterback.

Dillon Gabriel the favorite to win the Heisman Trophy

Dillon Gabriel is the current favorite to win the Heisman Trohpy, as the betting odds have him at +750, which is just slightly ahead of Carson Beck. The +750 odds imply an 11.2% chance of winning the award.

Gabriel began his college career at UCF and was there for three years before transferring to Oklahoma for two seasons.

Last season, Gabriel went 266-for-384 for 3,660 yards, 30 touchdowns and six interceptions.

Oregon will open its 2024 season against Idaho. The Ducks have notable games against Ohio State at home, Michigan on the road, Wisconsin on the road, and Washington at home in their first year in the Big Ten.

Oregon currently has the second-best odds of winning the Big Ten behind Ohio State. They also have the third-best odds of winning the national championship behind Georgia and Ohio State.