Hold onto your helmets, football fans, because history has been made! Myles Garrett has shattered the NFL's single-season sack record, a feat untouched since 2001. But here's where it gets even more impressive: Garrett didn't just break it—he dominated it with 23 sacks in the 2025 season, surpassing legends like Michael Strahan and T.J. Watt. And this is the part most people miss: it wasn't just about the sacks; it was about the relentless pursuit of excellence that defined his season.
With just five minutes left in the fourth quarter against the Bengals, Garrett burst past OL Orlando Brown Jr. and brought down QB Joe Burrow, securing his place in NFL history. This wasn't just a personal victory; it was a testament to his unwavering determination. Throughout the season, Garrett faced chip blocks, double teams, and even triple teams, yet he found a way to prevail. As he put it on November 28, 'I don't even think about it as a want—I just think about something that I'm going to knock down.'
But here's where it gets controversial: Is Garrett's achievement solely his own, or does it highlight the importance of teamwork? While Garrett’s individual talent is undeniable, his success was amplified by the synergy of the Browns' defensive line. Teammates like DT Maliek Collins, DT Mason Graham, and DEs Alex Wright and Isaiah McGuire played pivotal roles in creating opportunities for Garrett. 'I wouldn't be here without them,' Garrett admitted. This raises the question: In a sport often glorifying individual achievements, how much credit should go to the collective effort?
Garrett’s season was nothing short of historic. He broke the Browns' single-season sack record (which he set in 2021 and tied in 2022), became the first player since 1982 to record 12 sacks in six consecutive seasons, and set the record for the most sacks by a player under 30. His Week 8 performance against the Patriots, where he recorded five sacks, was a season highlight and broke his own team record for sacks in a game. Additionally, he led the league with 32 tackles for loss heading into Week 18, showcasing his versatility as a well-rounded defensive powerhouse.
Defensive line coach Jacques Cesaire saw this coming. 'Preseason, camp, all those joint practices—it was personal for him,' Cesaire said. Garrett’s offseason preparation was meticulous, and his focus was unwavering. Cesaire even joked with Garrett about breaking the record, pushing him to write down his season goal on the board—first 24, then 25 sacks. 'He’s exceeded my expectations on how to play this game,' Cesaire added.
Here’s another point to debate: While Garrett’s sack numbers stole the spotlight, his effectiveness against the run was equally vital. Head coach Kevin Stefanski and defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz consistently praised his ability to stop the run, which created opportunities for the pass rush. Does this make Garrett the most complete defensive end in the league today?
As Garrett reflects on his achievement, he remains grounded. 'I want to be remembered as one of the very best at the position, and that includes being well-rounded,' he said. With his eyes on challenging the record for tackles for loss (39), Garrett isn’t done yet. His mindset? 'As much as people want to see me break the sack record, I think there are other things out there which I want to achieve, and I think will help the team win.'
So, here’s the question for you: Is Myles Garrett the most dominant defensive player of his era, or is his success a product of both individual brilliance and exceptional teamwork? Let us know in the comments—we’re eager to hear your take!
