Myles Garrett's case for Defensive Player of the Year just received a major boost. Seven-time Super Bowl champion Tom Brady is lobbying for the Browns' star, placing him in legendary company.

Talking about Garrett, Tom Brady, in an appearance on FOX News over the weekend, said, "All you great defensive players: J.J. Watt, Aaron Donald, Ray Lewis, Ed Reed, you made it a pain in my a**. You guys were so good, and you know what, to add to this year, Myles Garrett."

Brady's comparison put Garrett amongst Defensive Player of the Year title holders from the 2000s and the 2010s. And while Garrett hasn't won the Super Bowl, unlike some of the names in the list, he holds the all-time sacks record with 23, beating T.J. Watt and Michael Strahan. It was a feat that impressed Tom Brady, since Strahan is one of his closest friends.

“Broke my buddy Michael Strahan's record, which is absolutely insane. The impact he has on every game is second to none. He's just a hardworking guy. He's got a great motor and knocks people out.”

Brady's comments recall Garrett's 23rd sack near the end of the 2025 season. He rushed Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow in the fourth quarter with only five minutes left. With that feat, he surpassed the NFL record for most sacks by a player in a season.

Apart from his sack record, Garrett made 43 tackles and three forced fumbles. He also earned a display in the Pro Football Hall of Fame this year. But the verdict on the Defensive Player of the Year is yet to arrive.

Garrett Is Nominated for the Award With Four Others

Micah Parsons of the Green Bay Packers is on the list of nominees. In his first season with the team, he made 41 tackles, 12.5 sacks, and two forced fumbles. 

Detroit Lions’ defensive end Aidan Hutchinson made 14.5 sacks and 36 tackles with four forced fumbles.

Will Anderson Jr. of the Houston Texans made 12 sacks with 35 tackles and three forced fumbles. 

Nik Bonitto of the Denver Broncos also had a successful season with 31 tackles, 14 sacks, two forced fumbles, and two postseason appearances.

Garrett has previously won the award in 2023. Do you think he will win another in just three years?

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Written by

Akanksha Biradar

Edited by

Siddharth Shirwadkar