CINCINNATI — Myles Garrett made history on Sunday. In a thrilling game against the Cincinnati Bengals, he recorded his 23rd sack of the season, breaking the NFL single-season sack record. This achievement surpasses the previous record of 22.5 sacks set by Michael Strahan in 2001 and tied by T.J. Watt in 2021.
As the clock ticked down in the fourth quarter, Garrett, who had been hot on Joe Burrow’s heels all afternoon, finally brought him down. With just over five minutes left, Garrett sprinted past left tackle Orlando Brown Jr. to secure his place in the record books. The excitement in Paycor Stadium was palpable, as fans erupted when the play was made.
This sack was the 12th time Garrett has taken down Burrow, making him the quarterback he has sacked the most in his career. Garrett also notably recorded his 100th career sack against Burrow in January 2024.
Garrett’s season has been remarkable. He started with 22 sacks heading into the final game, ranking among the best since the sack became an official statistic in 1982. Before this season, only a few players had even reached 20 sacks in a year. In fact, he recorded at least half a sack in nine straight games, including a jaw-dropping five-sack performance against the New England Patriots.
He isn’t just breaking records; he’s setting them. Garrett is the only player to have at least 12 sacks in six consecutive seasons and has recorded double-digit sacks in each of the last eight years. Currently, he stands with 125.5 career sacks, the second most for a player in their first nine seasons since 1982. At just 30 years old, he has surpassed legends like Reggie White for the most sacks before turning 30.
Despite the Browns being eliminated from playoff contention earlier in the season, Garrett’s teammates and coaches have rallied behind his historic pursuit. The team has faced ups and downs, but his passion and talent on the field shine through.
Before the season, Garrett signed a massive four-year, $160 million contract extension, the largest for a non-quarterback at that time, after initially seeking a trade. His dedication to the Browns has helped solidify his status as one of the top defensive players in the league today.
In summary, Myles Garrett’s relentless pursuit of excellence has made him a standout in the NFL. His milestones are not just personal victories; they’re a testament to his hard work and commitment, inspiring fans and players alike.
For a deeper look at the evolution of the sack and its significance in the NFL, check out this NFL History Report.
