Myles Garrett of the Cleveland Browns has officially set a new benchmark in the NFL by recording his 23rd sack of the season, surpassing the previous record of 22.5 sacks held by both Michael Strahan and T.J. Watt. This remarkable achievement occurred during the Browns’ thrilling victory over the Cincinnati Bengals, where Garrett sacked quarterback Joe Burrow in the closing minutes of the game.
Garrett’s journey to this record has been nothing short of extraordinary. He reached a total of 18 sacks over a remarkable stretch from October 26 to November 23, 2025, achieving an impressive 13 sacks in just four games. At that point, with six games remaining in the season, he appeared poised not only to break the longstanding record but to significantly exceed it.
As he approached this milestone, opponents became increasingly determined to limit his impact. Following a three-sack performance against the Las Vegas Raiders in November, Garrett faced challenges in his subsequent games, managing only a half sack against both the Buffalo Bills and the Pittsburgh Steelers. The pressure mounted as the conclusion of the season approached, and it seemed that Garrett might fall short of his goal.
Yet, in a defining moment during the final quarter against the Bengals, Garrett seized his opportunity. On a critical first-and-10 play, Garrett broke through the offensive line, maneuvering past Orlando Brown Jr. to take down Burrow and secure his place in NFL history.
“It was everything I expected,” Garrett commented on breaking the record. “It was so tough. I knew they were going to make it difficult, but I don’t think I saw more than three singles on a real drop-back the whole game. I just knew that if I did, I had to make that moment count. The feeling couldn’t be better.”
The Browns’ defensive coordinator, Jim Schwartz, played an essential role in devising strategies to help Garrett achieve this feat. Garrett showcased his versatility by lining up at various positions, including defensive tackle, defensive end, and inside linebacker, in an effort to penetrate the Bengals’ offensive line.
“I felt like Micah out there,” he remarked, referencing the dynamic play of fellow NFL stars. Achieving the sack required what Garrett described as “probably the best get-off” of his career, emphasizing his awareness of the snap count and the importance of timing in such a critical moment.
In celebration of his historic achievement, Garrett expressed gratitude towards his teammates, stating, “It was special. I’ve given everything to them. They get my very best every day. I’m so grateful and so glad to have them as teammates. It’s a privilege to be with these guys.”
Looking ahead, Garrett made it clear that he has set his sights even higher. “I’ve been waiting on this my whole life, my whole football career. I knew I had it in me. Damn, I wanted that 25; they made it real difficult these last two games especially. That’ll be the next journey, that I’m trying to go out there and get 25.”
As the NFL season wraps up, Garrett’s record-breaking achievement stands not only as a personal milestone but also as a significant moment in football history. His performance reflects both individual excellence and the collective effort of the Cleveland Browns, highlighting the excitement and unpredictability that the sport offers.
