Full Breakdown
Myles Garrett Sets Sights on Bruce Smith’s 200-Sack Career Record
6/5/2026, 9:12:31 PM
Garrett's Pursuit of the 200-Sack Record
Following his trade from the Cleveland Browns to the Los Angeles Rams, defensive end Myles Garrett announced his goal of eclipsing the NFL’s career sack record of 200. He also set a league record with 23 sacks last season and said winning a Super Bowl remains his top priority.
Bruce Smith’s Record and Longevity
Hall of Famer Bruce Smith holds the all-time career sack record at 200, a mark he set while playing until age 40. Smith accumulated 106 sacks by age 30, a benchmark for pass rushers. His career longevity to age 40 is a rarity among players.
Key Figures and Relationships
Garrett, a 30-year-old defensive end now with the Rams, and Smith, the record holder, are central to the pursuit. Garrett has described his relationship with Smith as friendly, saying that breaking the record would mean a lot to both. Garrett’s former team, the Browns, facilitated his move to Los Angeles.
Statistical Snapshot
Garrett has 125.5 career sacks, including a league-record 23 sacks last season. At age 30, he already surpasses Smith’s 106 sacks at the same age, indicating a faster pace, though Smith’s longevity to age 40 remains a factor. His 23-sack season set an NFL single-season record, underscoring his pass-rushing dominance.
Official Statements & Responses
In a Rams-hosted interview, Garrett called the 200-sack target a “big goal” he hopes to “eclipse” and highlighted his friendship with Smith, noting the milestone would matter to both. He also said the “GOAT” discussion will fade as he focuses on winning a Super Bowl early and often, indicating the record pursuit is secondary to team success.
Verbatim Quotes
- “There’s a big goal out there, that’s 200,” — Myles Garrett, Defensive End, Los Angeles Rams
- “I want to eclipse that, or I want to make it close.” — Myles Garrett
- “I want to eclipse that, or I want to make it close. I have a good relationship with the guy who has that record, and being able to go get that one would mean a lot to myself, and to him as well.” — Myles Garrett
- “The GOAT talk and all that, I’m sure that will come and go along the way, but I want to win,” — Myles Garrett
- “I want to win early and often.” — Myles Garrett
Implications and Outlook
If Garrett reaches 200 sacks, he would join Smith as the sole holder of the record, reinforcing his claim as the sport’s premier pass rusher. He believes that achieving the record would cement his legacy as the sport’s greatest pass rusher. However, he stresses that personal milestones must accompany a Super Bowl title. The upcoming season with the Rams will test his ability to sustain elite production while confronting the durability challenges that limited many predecessors.
