History has been created, and Myles Garrett is at the center of the storm! On Sunday, he surpassed the NFL record for most sacks in a season by a player with just a few minutes left to spare. 

In the fourth quarter against the Bengals, the defensive end got past tackle Orlando Brown Jr. and pulled down star quarterback Joe Burrow as the last 5 minutes were ticking away.

This marked his 23rd sack of the season, which ended a nerve-wracking anticipatory journey.  

Garrett, in setting a new record, has gone beyond Hall of Famer Michael Strahan, who had recorded 22.5 sacks in 2001 when he played for the New England Patriots. His record was later matched by Steelers’ T.J. Watt in 2021. 

When speaking to the press before his Week 17 appearance, Garrett remarked that this feat is legendary but not beyond his capabilities.

“It’s a legendary record I’m out here chasing,” he told the media. 

When another has asked how he felt about getting closer to the record after sacking Caleb Williams in Week 15, Garrett simply said: “It was always in reach.” 

Garrett, the best defensive player in the NFL right now, had shared his ambition to be counted among the best defensive ends in history. 

“I want to be remembered as one of the very best at the position, and that includes being well-rounded, in the run and pass,” Garrett said. 

In turbulent seasons like the past two, Garrett said he was focused on improving and keeping his other ambitions of playing for the Super Bowl and breaking the all-time record for most sacks in check.

Another Frame on the Wall

Garrett played not only against chip blocks, game plans of double and triple teams slowing him down, but also against the Browns' messy O-line and injured key players.

“I know the record for TFL's is 39, and I feel like I can go and challenge that – that's not out of reach either. So, got to continue this level of play and elevate and pick it up as much as I can. So, 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.” 

With his Week 18 performance, Garrett broke the 2021 and 2022 single-season sack records that he set in the franchise. His 12th sack of the season against the Ravens in week 11 made him the first player since 1982 to record 12 sacks in six consecutive seasons. 

He has also set the record for most sacks by a player under 30. 

"Every game I'm in awe of him of what he can do and how special he is, but this year it's definitely been special," Browns' defensive line coach Jacques Cesaire said.

Myles Garrett at last clinched history.

Written by

Akanksha Biradar

Edited by

Oajaswini Prabhu