Imagine a defensive player so dominant that he not only breaks a long-standing NFL record but does so while facing relentless double teams and chip blocks. That’s exactly what Myles Garrett, the Cleveland Browns’ star defensive end, achieved in 2025. And this is the part most people miss: his historic 23-sack season wasn’t just about breaking Michael Strahan and T.J. Watt’s shared record of 22.5—it was about doing it while being the focal point of every opponent’s game plan. But here’s where it gets controversial: does Garrett’s performance solidify him as one of the greatest defensive players of all time, or is it too early to crown him among legends like Lawrence Taylor and Reggie White? Let’s dive in.
On Thursday night at the NFL Honors in San Francisco, Garrett was unanimously named the 2025 AP NFL Defensive Player of the Year, his second career win. This wasn’t just a victory—it was a statement. Out of 50 first-place votes, Garrett secured all 50, totaling 500 points. Texans pass rusher Will Anderson Jr. trailed far behind with 177 points, underscoring Garrett’s unparalleled dominance. This award capped a season where Garrett wasn’t just good—he was unstoppable.
Beyond the sacks, Garrett’s 2025 campaign was a masterclass in defensive play. He led the league with 33 tackles for loss, tied a career-high 60 tackles, and set a new personal best with 39 quarterback hits. His ability to disrupt offenses was on full display as he sacked 11 different quarterbacks, including high-profile names like Lamar Jackson, Josh Allen, and Brock Purdy. But perhaps his most jaw-dropping performance came in Week 8, when he sacked Drake Maye—a Super Bowl participant—five times in a single game. Yes, you read that right: five sacks.
What makes Garrett’s achievements even more remarkable is the context. The Browns struggled to a 5-12 season, and opposing offenses threw everything they had at him. According to Next Gen Stats, Garrett faced double teams or chip blocks on 186 pass rushes—the most by any edge rusher since at least 2018. Yet, he still managed to record 32 quarterback pressures and eight sacks when facing extra blockers. Talk about rising above the challenge.
Garrett’s season wasn’t just about individual glory; it was about consistency. He recorded at least half a sack in nine consecutive games, a streak that made his Defensive Player of the Year win feel almost inevitable. In a year where many NFL awards were hotly contested, Garrett’s victory was a rare no-brainer.
At 30 years old, Garrett is now on a Hall of Fame trajectory. He’s the ninth player to win multiple AP Defensive Player of the Year honors, joining an elite group that includes Hall of Famers like Lawrence Taylor, Ray Lewis, and Bruce Smith. But here’s the question: is Garrett already in their league, or does he need more time to cement his legacy? His 2025 season certainly makes a strong case, but the debate is far from over.
As we celebrate Garrett’s historic achievements, it’s worth asking: What’s next for this defensive juggernaut? Can he sustain this level of dominance, or will opposing offenses eventually find a way to neutralize him? And where does he rank among the all-time greats? One thing’s for sure: Myles Garrett’s 2025 season will be remembered as one for the ages. But is it enough to secure his place in the pantheon of NFL legends? Let us know what you think in the comments—this is a conversation that’s just getting started.
