Myles Garrett: Sacks, Stats, And Career Highlights

Nov 24, 2025 by Alex Johnson 51 views

Myles Garrett is a name that resonates with power, agility, and domination in the world of American football. As a premier defensive end in the National Football League (NFL), Garrett has consistently showcased his exceptional talent for disrupting opposing offenses, and his ability to sack the quarterback is a cornerstone of his impressive career. This article delves into the remarkable achievements of Myles Garrett, exploring his sack statistics, career highlights, and the overall impact he has made on the game.

Early Career and Collegiate Success

Before becoming a household name in the NFL, Myles Garrett established himself as a force to be reckoned with during his collegiate career at Texas A&M University. From 2014 to 2016, Garrett played for the Texas A&M Aggies, where his exceptional athleticism and relentless drive quickly set him apart. During his time in college, Garrett amassed an impressive array of statistics and accolades that foreshadowed his future NFL stardom.

Collegiate Career Highlights:

Freshman Sensation (2014): Garrett made an immediate impact as a freshman, recording 11.5 sacks, which broke the school's freshman record. His performance earned him Freshman All-American honors and solidified his reputation as a rising star.
Continued Dominance (2015): As a sophomore, Garrett continued to terrorize opposing quarterbacks, registering 12.5 sacks and 19.5 tackles for loss. His consistent pressure and ability to disrupt plays earned him widespread recognition and placed him on the radar of NFL scouts.
Unanimous All-American (2016): In his junior year, Garrett was named a unanimous All-American, a testament to his exceptional performance and impact on the field. Despite facing constant double-teams and strategic blocking schemes designed to neutralize his effectiveness, Garrett still managed to record 8.5 sacks and 15 tackles for loss.
Overall Collegiate Stats: Over his three-year collegiate career, Myles Garrett accumulated 31 sacks, 47 tackles for loss, and seven forced fumbles. These numbers not only highlighted his individual brilliance but also underscored his ability to consistently impact the game in critical situations.

Garrett's success at Texas A&M laid the foundation for his transition to the NFL. His combination of size, speed, and technical skill made him a highly coveted prospect, and his collegiate achievements solidified his status as one of the top defensive players in the nation. This stellar performance set the stage for what would become an illustrious NFL career.

NFL Draft and Arrival in Cleveland

Myles Garrett's exceptional collegiate performance made him the consensus No. 1 overall pick in the 2017 NFL Draft. The Cleveland Browns, a team desperately seeking to revitalize their defense and overall roster, selected Garrett, hoping he would become a cornerstone of their franchise for years to come. The expectations were high, but Garrett was more than ready to meet the challenge.

The Draft Process:

Pre-Draft Buzz: Leading up to the 2017 NFL Draft, Myles Garrett was widely regarded as the top prospect. Scouts and analysts raved about his combination of size (6'4" and around 272 pounds), speed (4.64-second 40-yard dash), and explosiveness. His athleticism, coupled with his demonstrated ability to disrupt plays and sack the quarterback, made him the most sought-after player in the draft.
Combine Performance: Garrett's performance at the NFL Combine further solidified his status. He showcased his incredible athleticism by excelling in various drills, including the 40-yard dash, vertical jump, and bench press. His combine results confirmed his physical prowess and reinforced the belief that he had the potential to become a dominant NFL player.
The No. 1 Pick: On April 27, 2017, the Cleveland Browns officially selected Myles Garrett with the first overall pick. This marked a significant moment for the franchise, which had struggled for years to find a consistent pass-rushing presence. The Browns' decision to draft Garrett signaled their commitment to building a formidable defense and competing at the highest level.

Initial Impact with the Browns:

Early Expectations: Upon joining the Browns, Garrett was immediately expected to make a significant impact. The team and its fans hoped that he would provide the spark needed to transform the defense and help the Browns become competitive in the AFC North.
Rookie Season (2017): Garrett's rookie season was somewhat hampered by an ankle injury that sidelined him for several games. However, when he was on the field, he showed flashes of the dominant player he was projected to be. In 11 games, he recorded 7 sacks, demonstrating his ability to get to the quarterback despite the limited playing time.
Building a Foundation: While his rookie season wasn't statistically overwhelming, it provided a foundation upon which Garrett would build his NFL career. The Browns saw enough potential in his initial performance to be confident that he would become a star player. His combination of natural talent, work ethic, and determination suggested that he was on the path to greatness. The arrival of Myles Garrett in Cleveland marked the beginning of a new era for the Browns' defense and set the stage for his ascent to NFL stardom.

Myles Garrett's Sack Statistics and Career Milestones

Myles Garrett's career sack statistics are a testament to his consistency, skill, and relentless pursuit of the quarterback. Over the years, he has consistently ranked among the league leaders in sacks, solidifying his reputation as one of the most dominant pass rushers in the NFL. His career milestones further highlight his impact and achievements on the field.

Detailed Sack Statistics:

2017 Season: Despite missing several games due to injury, Garrett recorded 7 sacks in 11 games, showcasing his immediate impact when healthy.
2018 Season: Garrett had a breakout season, recording 13.5 sacks, which ranked among the top in the league. This performance earned him his first Pro Bowl selection and established him as a premier pass rusher.
2019 Season: Before being suspended for the final six games, Garrett had 10 sacks in 10 games, demonstrating his continued dominance and potential for an even higher single-season sack total.
2020 Season: Garrett recorded 12 sacks in 14 games, earning his second Pro Bowl selection and further solidifying his status as a top defensive player.
2021 Season: Garrett had a career-best 16 sacks, breaking the Browns' single-season sack record. This outstanding performance earned him his third Pro Bowl selection and first-team All-Pro honors.
2022 Season: Garrett continued his impressive streak, recording 16 sacks again and earning his fourth Pro Bowl selection. He consistently demonstrates his ability to perform at an elite level year after year.
2023 Season: Garrett recorded 14 sacks, showcasing his consistent ability to pressure the quarterback and disrupt the game. This performance helped solidify his legacy as one of the premier defensive players in the NFL.
Career Totals: As of the end of the 2023 season, Myles Garrett has accumulated over 88.5 career sacks, placing him among the all-time sack leaders for the Cleveland Browns. His consistent performance and ability to generate pressure have made him a cornerstone of the Browns' defense.

Key Career Milestones:

First Career Sack: Garrett recorded his first NFL sack on October 8, 2017, against the New York Jets.
First Double-Digit Sack Season: In 2018, Garrett achieved his first double-digit sack season with 13.5 sacks.
Multiple Pro Bowl Selections: Garrett has been selected to the Pro Bowl multiple times, recognizing his consistent excellence and impact on the field.
All-Pro Honors: Garrett has earned All-Pro honors, further highlighting his status as one of the league's top defensive players.
Browns Single-Season Sack Record: In 2021, Garrett broke the Browns' single-season sack record with 16 sacks, surpassing the previous record held by Clay Matthews Jr.
Reaching Milestone Sack Numbers: Garrett has consistently reached milestone sack numbers throughout his career, further cementing his legacy as a premier pass rusher. His ability to consistently pressure the quarterback and disrupt the game has made him a vital asset to the Cleveland Browns and a force to be reckoned with for opposing offenses. His sack statistics and career milestones are a clear indication of his sustained excellence and impact on the NFL.

Impact on the Cleveland Browns and the NFL

Myles Garrett's impact extends far beyond individual statistics. His presence on the Cleveland Browns has transformed their defense, and his influence is felt throughout the NFL. Garrett's ability to disrupt plays, pressure the quarterback, and lead by example has made him an invaluable asset to his team and a respected figure in the league.

Transforming the Browns' Defense:

Leadership on and off the Field: Garrett's leadership extends beyond his on-field performance. He is a vocal leader in the locker room and a role model for younger players. His work ethic, dedication, and commitment to excellence set a positive example for the entire team.
Improved Pass Rush: Garrett's arrival in Cleveland immediately improved the Browns' pass rush. His ability to consistently pressure the quarterback has forced opposing offenses to adjust their game plans. Garrett's presence has made the Browns' defense more formidable and difficult to score against.
Impact on Teammates: Garrett's presence has also elevated the play of his teammates. Opposing offenses must focus their attention on Garrett, creating opportunities for other defensive players to make plays. His ability to draw double-teams and create mismatches has been instrumental in the success of the Browns' defense.
Consistency and Reliability: One of Garrett's most significant contributions to the Browns is his consistency. He has consistently performed at a high level throughout his career, providing a reliable pass-rushing presence that the team can count on. His durability and ability to stay on the field have made him an invaluable asset.

League-Wide Recognition:

Respect from Opponents: Garrett's talent and accomplishments have earned him the respect of his opponents. Offensive linemen, quarterbacks, and coaches throughout the league recognize the challenge of facing Garrett and the impact he can have on a game. He is widely regarded as one of the premier defensive players in the NFL.
Pro Bowl and All-Pro Selections: Garrett's multiple Pro Bowl and All-Pro selections are a testament to his league-wide recognition. These honors reflect the votes of his peers, coaches, and media members, highlighting his standing among the top players in the NFL.
Influence on the Game: Garrett's playing style and success have influenced the game of football. Young defensive players aspire to emulate his technique, athleticism, and relentless pursuit of the quarterback. His impact on the game is evident in the increasing emphasis on pass rushing and defensive line play.
Media and Fan Acclaim: Garrett's performances have garnered significant media attention and fan acclaim. He is a popular figure among Browns fans and NFL enthusiasts, and his highlights are frequently featured on sports broadcasts and social media. His exciting playing style and engaging personality have made him a fan favorite.

Myles Garrett's impact on the Cleveland Browns and the NFL is undeniable. He has transformed the Browns' defense, earned league-wide recognition, and influenced the game of football. His leadership, consistency, and exceptional talent have solidified his place among the NFL's elite players. As he continues his career, Garrett is poised to leave an even greater legacy on the sport.

The Future for Myles Garrett

Looking ahead, the future appears bright for Myles Garrett. Still in the prime of his career, Garrett has the potential to achieve even greater heights and solidify his legacy as one of the greatest defensive players in NFL history. His combination of talent, work ethic, and leadership suggests that he will continue to be a dominant force for years to come.

Potential Records and Milestones:

Chasing the NFL Sack Record: One of Garrett's primary goals is likely to be chasing the NFL's all-time sack record, currently held by Bruce Smith. To achieve this, Garrett will need to continue his consistent sack production and maintain his health and durability. While the record is a significant challenge, Garrett's talent and determination make it a realistic aspiration.
Browns Career Sack Record: Garrett is already among the all-time sack leaders for the Cleveland Browns and is within striking distance of becoming the franchise's all-time leader. Surpassing this milestone would further cement his legacy in Cleveland and demonstrate his impact on the team.
Multiple Defensive Player of the Year Awards: Garrett has been a strong contender for the NFL Defensive Player of the Year award in the past, and winning the award multiple times would be a significant achievement. This accolade recognizes the league's top defensive player and would further validate Garrett's status as an elite performer.
Leading the Browns to a Super Bowl: Perhaps the ultimate goal for Garrett is to lead the Cleveland Browns to a Super Bowl victory. The Browns have a passionate fan base that has waited decades for a championship, and Garrett could play a pivotal role in bringing a Super Bowl title to Cleveland. This accomplishment would solidify his legacy as not only a great player but also a transformative figure in Browns' history.

Continued Development and Impact:

Refining His Technique: While Garrett is already an exceptional player, he continues to work on refining his technique and expanding his repertoire of pass-rushing moves. This dedication to improvement suggests that he will continue to evolve as a player and find new ways to disrupt opposing offenses.
Mentoring Young Players: As Garrett's career progresses, he will likely take on an even greater role as a mentor to younger players. His leadership and experience can help develop the next generation of defensive talent in Cleveland and throughout the NFL.
Community Involvement: Garrett has also shown a commitment to giving back to the community, and he is likely to continue his philanthropic efforts in the years to come. His positive impact extends beyond the football field, making him a role model for athletes and individuals alike.

Myles Garrett's future is filled with potential. His talent, work ethic, and leadership suggest that he will continue to be a dominant force in the NFL and a transformative figure for the Cleveland Browns. As he chases records, milestones, and championships, Garrett is poised to leave an enduring legacy on the game of football.

In conclusion, Myles Garrett's journey from a standout college player to an NFL superstar is a testament to his exceptional talent, unwavering dedication, and relentless pursuit of excellence. His sack statistics, career milestones, and transformative impact on the Cleveland Browns have solidified his place among the league's elite defensive players. As Garrett continues his career, he is poised to achieve even greater heights and leave an enduring legacy on the game of football. For more information on NFL players and stats, visit NFL.com.