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Daniel Oyefusi
WHEN MYLES GARRETT lowers his stance this Sunday at Huntington Bank Field, anticipating his burst towards Tennessee Titans rookie quarterback Cam Ward, a vital figure will be noted on the tape around his wrists: 25.
For years, the target for any aspiring elite pass rusher has been 22.5 — the record for most sacks in a single season, shared by Pittsburgh Steelers’ T.J. Watt and NFL Hall of Famer Michael Strahan.
However, with Garrett’s exceptional performance this season, he is aiming for an even loftier goal, and the «25» marked on his tape serves as a constant reminder. The Browns’ defensive star requires four additional sacks to surpass 22 and set a new single-season sack record.
A previous Defensive Player of the Year in 2023 and a top contender for the award this season, Garrett is on the verge of shattering a long-standing record from January 6, 2002.
This record-breaking journey, which might culminate as soon as this week’s matchup against the Titans (1 p.m. ET, Fox), has been shadowed by the Browns’ ongoing struggles, yet it has solidified Garrett’s legacy among the all-time elite pass rushers.
«He’s the GOAT,» stated Browns safety Grant Delpit. «He’s the best I’ve ever seen. I’m grateful he’s on our team. His relentless drive and energy are unmatched. He truly sets the tone for our defense.»
As the San Francisco 49ers faced off, Garrett reflected at his locker before practice.
He glanced at his striking orange-and-white cleats and explained the Arabic word inscribed on them: «Maktub,» which translates to, «It is written.»
«I rely on positive affirmations,» Garrett remarked to ESPN.
This season, he has adopted a habit of writing motivational notes on his wrist tape and shoes to fuel his drive toward NFL history.
With 19 sacks — six ahead of the next closest competitor (New York Giants’ Brian Burns, 13) — Garrett has achieved a career milestone and recorded the highest number of sacks by a player in their team’s first 12 games since the official stats were established in 1982.
Garrett has displayed Hall of Fame potential since being selected first overall in the 2017 draft out of Texas A&M; just last October, he surpassed Reggie White for the most sacks recorded by a player under 30. Now at 121.5 career sacks, he leads the league, surpassing Watt’s 115 sacks.
This season has often defied expectations.
He has navigated through numerous double and triple-team blocks, utilizing his unique blend of size, speed, and agility to consistently sack quarterbacks. This includes fierce bull rushes and intricate footwork to evade blockers without contact.
Baltimore Ravens fullback Patrick Ricard expressed his admiration: «[I hold] immense respect for him. He is genuinely a generational talent and arguably one of the finest edge rushers this league has ever seen.»
Throughout the season, Garrett has recorded a five-sack game (Week 8 versus the New England Patriots) and another with four sacks (Week 11 against the Ravens), achieving 15 sacks over six contests. Recently named the AFC Defensive Player of the Month, Garrett racked up nine sacks in November. His current trajectory suggests he might achieve 27 sacks, which would exceed Strahan’s 2001 record of 22 in 16 games and Watt’s 22 in 17 games in 2021.
«His hunger persists,» noted Browns defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz, likening Garrett’s influence to that of Hall of Famers Ray Lewis and Calvin Johnson. «He carries it well, fully aware he’s a target.»
In the week leading to his standout five-sack performance against the Patriots, Garrett’s preparation set the tone: he participated in every practice rep.
This level of commitment is rare for a defensive lineman, Schwartz revealed. Despite a slow start with only one sack over four games, Garrett expressed his dissatisfaction, striving for a better rhythm.
«He told [defensive line coach Jacques Cesaire], ‘Let me take all my reps in practice this week, I need to work on my game,'» Schwartz remembered. «… Such declarations carry significant weight.»
This dedication is part of Garrett’s effort to evolve as a leader, especially on one of the NFL’s youngest rosters. While his sack counts attract attention, both Schwartz and Browns coach Kevin Stefanski have highlighted Garrett’s elite run defense, having 28 tackles for loss this season, surpassing J.J. Watt’s record of 27 tackles for loss in the first 12 games of a season since 2000.
«Honestly, I’ve never encountered a more driven athlete in my career or played alongside anyone as motivated,» Collins stated. «His commitment to reaching quarterbacks, along with his overall performance, is unparalleled.»
«You’re the best to ever do it dude.»
Nothing but respect from the @49ers to @Flash_Garrett 🙌@InsideTheNFL Week 13 Mic’d Up on X pic.twitter.com/cmEUnwv7ao
— NFL (@NFL) December 1, 2025
IN 2023, GARRETT was named the NFL’s Defensive Player of the Year, notching 14 sacks while leading the league’s top defense. His contribution played a crucial role in the Browns winning 11 games and securing a playoff spot.
Garrett returned for the 2024 season determined to enhance his game further. He focused on training and analyzing other top-tier pass rushers, including Watt, Micah Parsons, and Nick Bosa, to better navigate against increased opposition.
Garrett arguably delivered an even stronger performance in 2024, matching his previous season’s sack total. Unfortunately, the team faltered, achieving only three wins, while the league’s top defensive honor went to Cincinnati Bengals’ Trey Hendrickson, the sack leader with 17.5.
As the 2024 season concluded, Garrett indicated a desire for clarity on the team’s direction, aiming for reassurance regarding both Cleveland’s and his future. During Super Bowl week, he officially requested a trade from the Browns — later clarifying that his and the team’s visions were misaligned — in hopes of joining a contender.
Browns general manager Andrew Berry, however, remained firm in his stance against trading Garrett, having previously expressed his intention to see him secure a «direct ticket from Cleveland to Canton.» The two parties maintained communication, and on the brink of free agency, Garrett signed a four-year, $160 million extension, then the largest deal for a non-quarterback.
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The new contract signified Garrett’s renewed commitment to the team and raised expectations for a player who has continuously reset benchmarks in his role.
«I truly believe the next milestone for Myles isn’t just Defensive Player of the Year — he’s accomplished that,» Schwartz remarked in August. «The next step is to become an MVP candidate. If our defense performs well and he is integral to that, he should enter that dialogue.»
Three months later, Schwartz openly acknowledged Garrett’s MVP potential, a title traditionally reserved for quarterbacks leading successful teams.
«He certainly has those qualifications,» Schwartz stated. «I’m not a voter; I’m unsure what the process entails. But it would be difficult to argue against him being the most valuable player in the NFL. … When discussing MVPs, it’s hard to exclude him.»
Garrett may likely miss out on MVP recognition, yet he remains the frontrunner for the 2025 Defensive Player of the Year, even with a 3-9 record. The last player to secure DPOY honors on a losing team was Jason Taylor of Miami in 2006.
Garrett’s impact is far too significant to overlook, despite Cleveland’s challenges.
«Analyzing the games and stats, he’s undoubtedly the best defensive player in the league,» left guard Joel Bitonio noted. «If that’s the award’s criteria, he deserves it.»
Maliek Collins, who logged a career-high 6.5 sacks before suffering a season-ending quad injury in last Sunday’s game against the 49ers. In the 2025 NFL draft, the Browns chose not to select two-way sensation Travis Hunter or edge rusher Abdul Carter with the No. 2 pick.
Instead, they traded back with the Jacksonville Jaguars to the fifth overall pick, acquiring multiple draft picks, including a 2026 first-rounder, and selected defensive tackle Mason Graham. Through his first 13 games, Graham has recorded only half a sack but ranks eighth in pass-rush win rate among interior defenders (11.1%).
The synergy between Garrett and his defensive line cohorts is evident. The added attention Garrett garners — being double-teamed on 31% of his pass-rush snaps — creates opportunities for interior linemen to secure one-on-one matchups. When the defensive tackles collapse the pocket, it often leaves quarterbacks with limited options, paving the way for Garrett to make key plays.
This week, Garrett faces a quarterback in Ward who leads the league with the most sacks taken (48). According to ESPN analytics writer Seth Walder’s sack model, Garrett has a 1.3% likelihood of achieving four sacks against Ward and thus breaking the record. Furthermore, he is the frontrunner across the league for at least one sack in Week 14, with a 61% chance, and has a 23% chance of securing two sacks, according to Walder.
«My teammates are elevating my game,» Garrett stated. «I couldn’t succeed without their support. They’re pressuring from the inside, disrupting plays, and maintaining containment — all of which makes my job much more manageable. I wouldn’t be at this point without their contributions.»
GARRETT DELIVERED that impressive five-sack feat against the Patriots on October 26, yet as the clock wound down, he was visibly frustrated. In the final moments of a 32-13 defeat, he was pulled from the game. Irritated, he struck his helmet on the sideline and sat quietly on the bench as time expired.
«I would sacrifice the entire performance for a victory,» Garrett remarked postgame.
Myles Garrett sitting alone at the end of the bench amid his best statistical game, 5 sacks. But the Browns are 2 min away from dropping to 2-6 for the second straight year with the bye week approaching. pic.twitter.com/vagRGvHTFr
— Daniel Oyefusi (@DanielOyefusi) October 26, 2025
With merely three wins, a potentially record-setting season frequently leads to frustration for Garrett. He often chooses to downplay his achievements during postgame interviews, emphasizing his drive for victory and playoff contention. The recent loss to the 49ers sealed the Browns’ fate for their seventh losing season out of nine since Garrett’s arrival in Cleveland. As a top pass rusher of his era, he has participated in only three playoff matches.
Nonetheless, even amidst another disappointing season, Garrett’s teammates are uniting in support of his pursuit of history.
«It’s significant for us,» stated Browns linebacker Devin Bush. «He undeniably fuels our defense. As a key player, he’s our first line of defense, and he’s exceptional. Even if this season isn’t our best, we must take pride in something — it’s our duty to assist him in achieving his goals.»
The rookie Graham, still without a solo sack, humorously commented on his contributions to Garrett’s pursuits this year.
«As long as he breaks that [record], I’m satisfied,» said Graham.
THE RESPECT THAT Garrett commands is immense, spanning both peers and the legends whose records he aims to surpass — and in many instances, is succeeding.
«You cannot approach the finish line and not follow through, so I’m genuinely cheering for him,» remarked Parsons, who has been training with Garrett and built a friendship.
After Garrett surpassed Lawrence Taylor for the most consecutive seasons with at least 12 sacks (six), the Giants legend publicly praised Garrett on X.
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«I have immense respect for how this athlete approaches his craft,» Taylor wrote. «He’s performing at an extraordinary level for an extended period… few can truly change game plans and keep opponents on edge.»
Throughout his career, Garrett has built relationships with several pass-rushing icons, including Strahan, John Randle, and DeMarcus Ware. He recently shared with ESPN how interactions with these former players encompass everything from on-field strategies to playful banter as he pursues their records.
«There is no one comparable to Myles Garrett,» Strahan highlighted during Fox’s postgame coverage on Sunday. «I wholeheartedly wish for him to eclipse this sack record… Lawrence Taylor is the premier defensive player I’ve ever observed, but I believe this kid is nearing that level, in my view.»
Garrett has refrained from dwelling too much on what it would signify to eclipse the sack record; nevertheless, the vision of achieving such an accomplishment is clear as he approaches that goal.
«I don’t view it as a mere desire — it’s something I fully intend to achieve,» Garrett remarked. «It’s already clear in my mind that it’s going to happen; it’s about how far I’m willing to take it. So, I’ll continue to execute my game as I always do, and the final number will reveal itself.»
ESPN’s Rob Demovsky contributed to this article.
