Full Breakdown
Myles Garrett Becomes NFL's Single-Season Sack King
1/6/2026, 12:30:01 PM
Historic Achievement in the NFL
Cleveland Browns defensive end Myles Garrett made history on January 7, 2025, by breaking the NFL's single-season sack record during a game against the Cincinnati Bengals. Garrett recorded his 23rd sack of the season by taking down Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow with just over five minutes remaining in the fourth quarter, leading the Browns to a 20-18 victory. This achievement surpasses the previous record of 22.5 sacks set by Michael Strahan in 2001 and matched by T.J. Watt in 2021.
Garrett entered the game needing just one sack to claim the record. His record-breaking moment came after a relentless pursuit, as he faced double-teams and chip blocks throughout the match. "I don’t think I saw more than three singles on a real drop-back the whole game," Garrett noted, emphasizing the difficulty of the task. His quickness was evident, as he crossed the line of scrimmage just 0.23 seconds after the snap, marking the fastest sack of the season according to Next Gen Stats.
Reactions and Controversy
The game stoppage to celebrate Garrett's achievement sparked frustration from Bengals head coach Zac Taylor. He expressed his displeasure, stating he was not informed beforehand that officials would pause the game for the record-breaking moment. "There are five minutes left in our season. We’re playing for our lives here," Taylor said, highlighting the critical nature of the game's timing. Despite the stoppage, the Bengals were unable to regain momentum and were forced to punt shortly after.
In contrast, Burrow acknowledged the typical protocol for such situations, indicating that he was not surprised by the stoppage. The celebration on the Browns' sideline was exuberant, with teammates lifting Garrett onto their shoulders and tight end David Njoku placing an imaginary crown on his head.
Official Statements & Responses
Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski praised Garrett's accomplishment, stating, "He’s the Defensive Player of the Year. You could make him the MVP if I had a vote." Garrett himself reflected on the moment, saying, "The feeling couldn’t be better," while also expressing a desire to reach 25 sacks in the future, a goal he had written on his wrist tape throughout the season.
Broader Implications
Garrett's achievement not only highlights his exceptional talent but also raises questions about the evolving nature of NFL records as the league expands the regular season. The NFL has seen its season length increase from 12 games before 1961 to the current 17, with discussions of further expansion in the future. This shift prompts a reevaluation of how records are perceived and whether they should be marked with an asterisk due to the varying lengths of seasons.
What's Next for Myles Garrett
As Garrett looks ahead, he aims to build on his historic season. He has already established himself as a dominant force in the league, being the first player to record at least 12 sacks in six consecutive seasons. With aspirations for even greater achievements, Garrett's journey as the NFL's "Sack King" is just beginning.
