Myles Garrett is a 29-year-old defensive end for the Cleveland Browns who leads the NFL with 15 sacks through 10 games in the 2025 season, cementing his status as the league’s most dominant pass rusher. Selected first overall in the 2017 NFL Draft from Texas A&M University, Garrett has accumulated 117.5 career sacks across nine seasons, earning six Pro Bowl selections and establishing himself as one of the most feared defensive players in modern football. Born on December 29, 1995, in Arlington, Texas, Garrett stands 6 feet 4 inches tall and weighs 272 pounds, combining exceptional athleticism with technical refinement to consistently terrorize opposing quarterbacks. His 2023 season saw him record 14 sacks whilst winning NFL Defensive Player of the Year honours, and he continues to anchor Cleveland’s defence whilst chasing franchise records and championship aspirations.
Early Life and High School Career
Myles Lorenz Garrett was born in Arlington, Texas, to parents Lawrence and Audrey Garrett, growing up in a family that emphasized athletics and academic achievement. His older brother Sean Garrett played college football as a linebacker before transitioning to coaching, whilst his sister Brea Garrett competed in track and field at Texas A&M. This athletic family environment fostered Myles’ competitive drive and introduced him to organized sports from an early age.
Garrett attended Martin High School in Arlington, where he excelled in multiple sports including football, basketball, and track and field. On the football field, he played both defensive end and tight end, showcasing versatility and athleticism rare for players his size. As a senior, Garrett recorded 15 sacks whilst also contributing as a receiver, demonstrating the two-way capabilities that attracted major college programmes throughout the country.
His track and field accomplishments were equally impressive, with Garrett competing in shot put and discus events at state-level competitions. The explosive power developed through track training translated directly to his football performance, giving him the first-step quickness that would become his trademark as a pass rusher. Garrett’s combination of size, speed, and athletic pedigree made him one of the nation’s most highly recruited defensive prospects, ultimately committing to Texas A&M University to play for the Aggies.
College Career at Texas A&M
Garrett enrolled at Texas A&M University in 2014, redshirting his first season to develop physically and learn the Aggies’ defensive system under head coach Kevin Sumlin. The redshirt year proved valuable, allowing Garrett to add strength and weight to his frame whilst studying collegiate offensive schemes and pass protection techniques. His patience during this developmental period set the foundation for immediate impact once he took the field.
In 2015, Garrett’s redshirt freshman season, he exploded onto the college football scene with 11.5 sacks despite playing limited snaps early in the year. His breakout performances included multiple games with 2+ sacks, demonstrating consistency beyond typical freshman production. Garrett earned Freshman All-American honours and SEC All-Freshman Team recognition, establishing himself as one of college football’s premier young defensive talents.
His sophomore season in 2016 saw Garrett record 8.5 sacks despite missing multiple games due to injury and facing constant double-teams from opposing offences desperate to neutralize his impact. When healthy, Garrett was virtually unstoppable, regularly beating offensive tackles with speed rushes off the edge or powering through blocks with bull rushes. He earned consensus All-American honours and numerous awards including the Bronko Nagurski Trophy, Ted Hendricks Award, and Bill Willis Trophy, cementing his status as college football’s best defensive player.
2017 NFL Draft and Rookie Season
Garrett declared for the 2017 NFL Draft after his junior season, foregoing his final year of college eligibility to pursue professional football. His combination of elite athleticism, pass-rushing production, and physical tools made him the consensus top prospect in the draft class. The Cleveland Browns, holding the first overall pick after a disastrous 1-15 season in 2016, selected Garrett without hesitation, hoping he could anchor their defensive rebuild.
Garrett’s rookie season was interrupted by injuries, particularly a high ankle sprain that limited him to just 11 games. Despite the shortened campaign, he recorded seven sacks and 31 total tackles whilst showing flashes of the dominance that made him the top pick. Browns defensive coordinator Gregg Williams praised Garrett’s work ethic and football intelligence, noting his rapid adjustment to NFL speed and complexity.
The highlight of Garrett’s rookie year came against the New York Jets when he recorded his first career sack and forced fumble, showcasing the game-changing impact he could deliver. Though the Browns finished 0-16, becoming the second team in NFL history to complete a winless season, Garrett’s performances provided hope for the franchise’s defensive future. His rookie campaign, whilst statistically modest due to injuries, established him as a building block for Cleveland’s long-term plans.
Breakout and Pro Bowl Selections
Garrett’s breakout season came in 2018 when he stayed healthy and played all 16 games, recording 13.5 sacks to rank sixth in the NFL. His dominant performances included multiple games with 2+ sacks and consistent quarterback pressure that disrupted opposing offences throughout the season. Garrett earned his first Pro Bowl selection and was ranked 49th by fellow players on the NFL Top 100 list, recognition from peers who faced his relentless pass-rushing abilities.
The 2019 season ended controversially when Garrett was involved in an altercation with Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Mason Rudolph, striking Rudolph with his own helmet in a nationally televised Thursday Night Football game. The NFL suspended Garrett indefinitely, ultimately costing him the final six games of the season. Prior to the suspension, Garrett had recorded 10 sacks in 10 games, putting him on pace for another elite statistical season.
In 2020, Garrett returned from suspension and continued his ascent toward defensive elite status, recording 12 sacks in 14 games despite dealing with COVID-19 during the season. His performance earned him second-team All-Pro honours and another Pro Bowl selection. The 2021 season saw Garrett achieve a career-high 16 sacks, earning first-team All-Pro recognition for the first time and solidifying his reputation as the league’s most complete defensive end.
NFL Defensive Player of the Year
Garrett maintained his elite production in 2022 with another 16-sack season, becoming the first Browns player since Reggie Camp in 1985 to record consecutive seasons with 16+ sacks. His consistency across multiple seasons distinguished him from one-year wonders who post impressive single-season statistics but fail to replicate success. Garrett’s combination of pass-rushing prowess, run defence, and ability to win one-on-one matchups against elite offensive tackles made him invaluable to Cleveland’s defensive scheme.
The 2023 season represented the pinnacle of Garrett’s career to date, as he recorded 14 sacks whilst earning NFL Defensive Player of the Year honours. This prestigious award recognized Garrett as the league’s most impactful defensive player, validating years of elite performance and cementing his legacy among defensive greats. His ability to generate pressure without extensive blitz packages allowed Cleveland’s defence to maintain coverage personnel, making the entire unit more effective.
Garrett’s DPOY season featured dominant performances against the league’s best offensive tackles, consistently winning matchups regardless of opposing personnel or game situations. His advanced statistics, including pressures, quarterback hits, and win rate against double-teams, all ranked among the NFL’s elite. The recognition from voters affirmed what film study had long suggested: Garrett was not just an elite pass rusher but the most complete and dominant defensive player in professional football.
2025 Season and Sack Leadership
The 2025 season has seen Garrett continue his reign as the NFL’s premier pass rusher, leading the league with 15 sacks through 10 games as of November 2025. His pace puts him on track to challenge the NFL single-season sack record of 22.5, set by T.J. Watt in 2021, if he maintains his production over Cleveland’s final seven games. Garrett’s relentless pressure has been one of the few bright spots for a Browns team struggling at 1-3 through their first four division games.
Garrett’s 2025 performances have included multiple multi-sack games and consistent quarterback harassment that forces opposing offences to adjust their protection schemes. His 117.5 career sacks place him among active players’ leaders, and at age 29, he remains in his athletic prime with several more elite seasons potentially ahead. The combination of experience, technique, and maintained athleticism makes Garrett arguably more dangerous now than during his earlier career when he relied more heavily on pure athletic gifts.
Recent advanced metrics show Garrett leading the NFL not just in sack totals but in pressure rate, quarterback hits, and win percentage against pass protection. His ability to affect games extends beyond sack statistics to include run defence, where he consistently sets the edge and forces running plays back inside to pursuing defenders. This complete defensive performance explains why offences dedicate multiple blockers to containing Garrett, creating opportunities for teammates to make plays elsewhere on the field.
Playing Style and Techniques
Garrett’s playing style combines elite physical tools with refined technical skills developed through years of professional coaching and experience. His first-step quickness off the snap allows him to gain immediate advantages against offensive tackles before they can establish blocking position. This explosiveness, measured at 4.64 seconds in the 40-yard dash at his NFL Combine, remains elite for a player his size and gives him leverage to execute various pass-rushing moves.
His signature move is a speed-to-power rush where Garrett uses initial quickness to close distance on offensive tackles, then converts speed to power at the engagement point to drive blockers backward into quarterbacks. This technique requires exceptional core strength and body control to maintain balance whilst generating force, skills Garrett has honed through dedicated training programmes. When tackles overcompensate for his speed, Garrett counters with power moves including bull rushes that simply overpower blockers through pure strength.
Garrett’s versatility extends to his pass-rushing repertoire, which includes swim moves, rip techniques, spins, and sophisticated stunts with interior defensive linemen. His football intelligence allows him to diagnose blocking schemes pre-snap and adjust his approach accordingly, attacking specific weaknesses in protection plans. Against run plays, Garrett sets a powerful edge that prevents outside runs whilst maintaining gap discipline to avoid creating cutback lanes for running backs.
Contract and Earnings
In July 2020, Garrett signed a five-year, $125 million contract extension with the Cleveland Browns that made him the highest-paid defensive player in NFL history at the time. The deal included $100 million guaranteed, providing unprecedented financial security for a defensive end. This contract reflected Cleveland’s recognition that elite pass rushers represent franchise cornerstones worth premium investment, as elite quarterback pressure remains one of football’s most valuable and rare commodities.
The contract structure included various incentives and escalators that could increase the total value beyond $125 million if Garrett achieved specific performance benchmarks. His consistent production since signing the extension has validated Cleveland’s investment, as Garrett has delivered multiple All-Pro seasons and the 2023 Defensive Player of the Year award. The contract runs through the 2026 season, after which Garrett will be 31 years old and potentially eligible for another significant contract if he maintains elite performance.
Garrett’s earnings extend beyond his NFL salary to include endorsement deals and sponsorships with major brands. His marketability comes from being both elite on the field and maintaining a positive public image off it, making him attractive to companies seeking athletic ambassadors. While his endorsement portfolio remains more modest than offensive stars, Garrett’s status as the NFL’s premier defensive player provides significant earning potential beyond his playing contract.
Personal Life and Interests
Off the field, Garrett maintains diverse interests that extend far beyond football, including poetry, dinosaur paleontology, and anime. He has published poetry and spoken publicly about using creative writing as an outlet for self-expression and emotional processing. These intellectual pursuits distinguish Garrett from stereotypical portrayals of football players, showcasing the depth and complexity of professional athletes’ identities beyond their sporting personas.
Garrett’s fascination with dinosaurs and paleontology has been well-documented through media interviews and social media posts. He owns an extensive collection of dinosaur memorabilia and has expressed interest in pursuing paleontology studies after his football career concludes. This genuine passion for science and natural history reflects intellectual curiosity that complements his athletic achievements.
His anime fandom includes active engagement with Japanese animation culture, attending conventions and discussing favorite series with fans online. Garrett’s willingness to embrace interests that fall outside traditional athlete stereotypes has made him a relatable figure to younger fans and demonstrated that professional success doesn’t require conforming to narrow cultural expectations. His authenticity in pursuing varied interests whilst maintaining elite athletic performance provides a positive example of balanced personal development.
Community Involvement and Leadership
Garrett actively participates in community service and charitable initiatives throughout Cleveland and his native Texas. His foundation work focuses on youth development, education, and providing opportunities for underprivileged children to participate in sports and academic enrichment programmes. These efforts reflect Garrett’s understanding of the platform professional athletes possess and his commitment to using that influence for positive social impact.
Within the Browns organization, Garrett serves as a defensive leader and mentor to younger players, particularly defensive linemen learning professional techniques and preparation routines. Coaches and teammates consistently praise his work ethic and professionalism, noting his dedication to film study, practice intensity, and taking care of his body through proper nutrition and recovery protocols. This leadership extends beyond individual performance to elevating those around him through example and direct coaching.
Garrett’s activism includes speaking on social justice issues and using his platform to address systemic inequalities. He has participated in player-led initiatives promoting racial equality and criminal justice reform, demonstrating awareness of societal challenges beyond football. His willingness to engage with complex issues whilst maintaining focus on athletic excellence showcases the multidimensional nature of modern professional athletes who increasingly embrace advocacy roles.
Career Achievements and Honours
Garrett’s career accomplishments include six Pro Bowl selections spanning 2018-2024, recognizing consistent excellence across multiple seasons. His three first-team All-Pro selections and two second-team honours from the Associated Press confirm his status among the NFL’s absolute elite at his position. The 2023 NFL Defensive Player of the Year award represents the pinnacle individual recognition, affirming Garrett as that season’s most dominant defensive force.
His college achievements remain equally impressive, including consensus All-American honours in 2016, the Bronko Nagurski Trophy, Ted Hendricks Award, and Bill Willis Trophy. These awards recognized Garrett as college football’s premier defensive player during his final season at Texas A&M. His decision to enter the NFL Draft after his junior year, whilst leaving college accolades potentially unclaimed, demonstrated confidence in his professional readiness.
Statistical milestones include surpassing 100 career sacks in 2024, joining an elite group of players who have reached this benchmark. Garrett’s 117.5 career sacks through the 2025 season place him on track to potentially surpass 150 career sacks if he maintains current production levels through age 32-33. This would position him among the top 20 sack leaders in NFL history, remarkable for a player who missed significant time early in his career due to injuries and suspension.
Future Outlook and Legacy
At age 29 and still performing at peak levels in 2025, Garrett appears positioned for several more elite seasons before inevitable athletic decline. Defensive ends historically maintain effectiveness into their early-to-mid 30s if they avoid catastrophic injuries, suggesting Garrett could remain dominant through 2028-2030. His refined technique and football intelligence may actually allow improved production as physical gifts marginally decline, similar to Cameron Jordan and Von Miller’s career arcs.
Garrett’s legacy trajectory points toward potential Hall of Fame induction if he maintains current production for another 3-4 seasons. Reaching 150+ career sacks whilst accumulating additional Pro Bowl and All-Pro selections would build a comprehensive resume worthy of Canton enshrinement. His 2023 Defensive Player of the Year award provides the signature individual honour that strengthens Hall of Fame candidacies, particularly for defensive players whose contributions don’t generate statistics as visible as offensive counterparts.
The one missing element in Garrett’s otherwise stellar career is team playoff success and potential Super Bowl championship. Cleveland’s struggles to build complete rosters around their defensive star have limited postseason opportunities, with the Browns’ last playoff victory coming in 1995. If Cleveland can surround Garrett with complementary talent before his career concludes, a deep playoff run would cement his legacy as both individually elite and a championship contributor rather than merely accumulating statistics for losing teams.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many sacks does Myles Garrett have in 2025?
Myles Garrett leads the NFL with 15 sacks through 10 games in the 2025 season as of November 23, 2025. He is on pace to challenge T.J. Watt’s single-season sack record of 22.5 if he maintains this production through Cleveland’s final seven games.
What is Myles Garrett’s career sack total?
Myles Garrett has recorded 117.5 career sacks across nine NFL seasons with the Cleveland Browns from 2017 through 2025. This places him among active sack leaders and on track to potentially reach 150+ career sacks if he maintains elite production into his early 30s.
When did Myles Garrett win Defensive Player of the Year?
Garrett won NFL Defensive Player of the Year for the 2023 season after recording 14 sacks and dominating opposing offences throughout the campaign. This prestigious award recognized him as the league’s most impactful defensive player that season.
How much is Myles Garrett’s contract worth?
Garrett signed a five-year, $125 million contract extension with Cleveland in July 2020 that made him the highest-paid defensive player in NFL history at the time. The deal included $100 million guaranteed and runs through the 2026 season.
How old is Myles Garrett?
Myles Garrett was born on December 29, 1995, making him 29 years old as of November 2025. He remains in his athletic prime with several potentially elite seasons ahead before typical age-related decline for defensive ends in their early-to-mid 30s.
Where did Myles Garrett go to college?
Garrett played college football at Texas A&M University from 2014 to 2016. He earned consensus All-American honours and won multiple awards including the Bronko Nagurski Trophy during his final season before declaring for the 2017 NFL Draft.
How many Pro Bowls has Myles Garrett made?
Garrett has been selected to six Pro Bowls spanning 2018, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, and 2024. His consistent Pro Bowl selections reflect sustained elite performance across multiple seasons, distinguishing him from one-year statistical anomalies.
What position does Myles Garrett play?
Garrett plays defensive end for the Cleveland Browns, primarily lining up on the edge of the defensive line to rush opposing quarterbacks. His combination of size (6’4″, 272 pounds), speed, and technique makes him the NFL’s premier pass rusher.
Did Myles Garrett get suspended?
Garrett was suspended indefinitely by the NFL in November 2019 after striking Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Mason Rudolph with Rudolph’s own helmet during a game. The suspension cost him the final six games of the 2019 season.
How tall is Myles Garrett?
Myles Garrett stands 6 feet 4 inches (1.93 meters) tall and weighs 272 pounds (123 kilograms). His size combined with exceptional athleticism creates matchup problems for offensive tackles tasked with protecting against his pass rushes.
What college awards did Myles Garrett win?
Garrett won numerous college awards in 2016 including the Bronko Nagurski Trophy, Ted Hendricks Award, Bill Willis Trophy, and consensus All-American honours. These awards recognized him as college football’s premier defensive player during his final season at Texas A&M.
Is Myles Garrett a Hall of Famer?
While still active, Garrett is building a Hall of Fame-caliber resume with six Pro Bowls, three first-team All-Pro selections, a Defensive Player of the Year award, and 117.5+ career sacks. Maintaining elite production for another 3-4 seasons would significantly strengthen his Canton candidacy.
What is Myles Garrett’s 40-yard dash time?
Garrett ran a 4.64-second 40-yard dash at the 2017 NFL Combine, exceptional speed for a player his size. This elite athleticism contributes to his dominant first-step quickness that allows him to consistently beat offensive tackles off the snap.
Who drafted Myles Garrett?
The Cleveland Browns selected Myles Garrett with the first overall pick in the 2017 NFL Draft. He was the consensus top prospect in the draft class and has validated that selection through consistent elite performance across nine professional seasons.
What are Myles Garrett’s hobbies?
Garrett enjoys poetry, dinosaur paleontology, and anime outside of football. He has published poetry, collects dinosaur memorabilia, and actively participates in anime fan communities, showcasing diverse interests beyond his athletic career.
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