In a thrilling moment that sent shockwaves through the NFL, Myles Garrett, the star defensive end of the Cleveland Browns, etched his name into the record books. With a single sack, he not only secured a personal milestone but also rewrote NFL history.
On January 4, 2026, in the fourth quarter of the season finale against the Cincinnati Bengals, Garrett brought down quarterback Joe Burrow, notching his 23rd sack of the season. This achievement broke the NFL's single-season sack record, surpassing the legendary Michael Strahan's 22.5 sacks from 2001, a feat matched only by T.J. Watt in 2021.
Garrett's pursuit of this record was a season-long saga. With time winding down in the final game, he lined up at different positions, showcasing his versatility. And then, with just 5:17 remaining, he burst past the left tackle and took down Burrow, igniting the crowd at Paycor Stadium.
But here's where it gets even more impressive: this was the 12th time Garrett had sacked Burrow in his career, setting a personal record. And it wasn't just any quarterback; he broke the tie with Lamar Jackson for the most sacks on a single quarterback. Talk about a dominant force!
Garrett, the 2023 Defensive Player of the Year and a favorite for the 2026 award, had been on a tear. He entered the game with 22 sacks, tied for the third-most in a single season since 1982. His consistency was remarkable, with at least a half-sack in nine consecutive games, including a career-high five-sack performance against the Patriots and a four-sack game against the Ravens.
And this is the part most people miss: Garrett is a sack machine. He's the first player to achieve 12 or more sacks in six straight seasons and the only player with 10 or more sacks in each of the last eight seasons. With 125.5 career sacks, he's second only to the great Reggie White for sacks in a player's first nine seasons.
Garrett, the number one pick in the 2017 NFL Draft, has outshone his peers, boasting 10 more sacks than the next closest player, T.J. Watt, since joining the league. His accolades include six Pro Bowl selections and four All-Pro honors, solidifying his status as a defensive powerhouse.
Despite the Browns' elimination from playoff contention, Garrett's teammates and coaches rallied behind his historic achievement. His dedication and skill were rewarded with a four-year, $160 million extension, a testament to his value and the team's belief in him.
So, what's next for this record-breaker? Will he continue to dominate the league and cement his legacy as one of the greatest defensive players of all time? The future looks bright for Myles Garrett, and the NFL is taking notice. But do you think he can maintain this level of performance? Share your thoughts in the comments, and let's discuss!
