Cleveland Browns defensive end Myles Garrett broke the NFL’s single-season sack record on Sunday against the Cincinnati Bengals.
The 29-year-old entered Week 17 with 22.5 points per game, a half-sack difference, surpassing the previous record of 22.5 points set by New York Giants defensive end Michael Strahan in 2001-02 (set by Pittsburgh Steelers’ TJ Watt in 2021-22).
He was held in check by Pittsburgh and ultimately made history when he took down Bengals QB Joe Burrow for his 23rd sack with just over five minutes remaining in the fourth quarter of Week 18’s 20-18 win on the final day of the NFL regular season.
Garrett was selected No. 1 overall in the 2017 NFL Draft by the Cleveland Browns and has recorded double-digit sacks in eight consecutive seasons. He was also named the NFL’s Defensive Player of the Year in 2023.
Garrett, who signed a four-year, $160 million contract this offseason, has 125.5 career sacks, the second-most by a player in his first nine seasons in the NFL since 1982.
He was the first player in history to record at least 12 sacks in six consecutive seasons, a milestone moment that marked Burrow’s 12 sacks, tying him with Lamar Jackson as the quarterback with the most sacks.
His record-breaking season included five sacks in Cleveland’s game against the New England Patriots in Week 9 and four sacks two weeks later against the Baltimore Ravens.
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See all 23 sacks of Myles Garrett, who breaks the Cleveland Browns’ season sack record.
Garrett: Make your dreams come true.
“It was everything I expected,” said Garrett, who watched from the stands as he made the record-breaking sack.
“It was very tough. We knew they were going to make it difficult, but I don’t think we ever saw more than three singles on true dropbacks the entire game.”
“When that happens, I knew I had to cherish the moment. I couldn’t have felt a better feeling.”
Garrett continued, “Find your dreams come true. I’ve been waiting for this my whole life, my entire football career. I knew it was inside me.”
“We wanted those 25 (sacks). They made it really difficult the last two games, especially the last three. Coming out of there and getting those 25 sacks is going to be the next journey.”
Garrett makes history by passing Strahan and Watt
Stefanski awards Garrett the title of ‘Sack King’
“It’s history. He’s the sack king. It’s unbelievable,” Cleveland Browns manager Kevin Stefanski said.
“They’ve been playing this game for a long time, but for him to get it in difficult circumstances like this season is unbelievable.
“He’s the Defensive Player of the Year. If I had my vote, I’d make him MVP. And I think the reaction from his teammates is genuine. It’s genuine. They care about each other.”
Garrett is the epitome of consistency.
Sky Sports NFL’s Phoebe Scheckter:
“Garrett is literally making history. He’s been consistent all year. His entire career has been consistent and this is a prime example of that.”
“He keeps himself in the best shape possible, treats his body like a temple, and is able to go out there and make unbelievable plays even on teams that aren’t doing well.”
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