During an 11-on-11 period, DE Myles Garrett lined up across from the offensive line and stared down QB Dillon Gabriel.
As Gabriel dropped back to look for an open receiver, Garrett broke past T Dawand Jones and ran towards Gabriel for the "sack" in the drill. Garrett said Gabriel's eyes got wide as Garrett was in front of him, introducing the rookie quarterback to his presence on the practice field.
The Browns officially kicked off mandatory veteran minicamp with their first day of practice, with Garrett and the rest of their veteran players back on the practice field at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus.
"Good to have Myles in the building, obviously being around his teammates," head coach Kevin Stefanski said. "And as you can imagine, he's in great shape and it's good for us to just see where these guys are, get some work in and obviously expose them to some of the different nuances to what we're doing."
As Garrett took to the field for the start of mandatory veteran minicamp and kick off his ninth season with the Browns, he knows the role and responsibility he has to his teammates. He understands as a leader the importance of setting the standard in minicamp and being an example to players on what is expected.
And just about a week after defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz quoted the famous line from the comic and film Spider-man, "With great power comes great responsibility," Garrett reiterated the same line.
"I look forward to having my best season for sure, and I think it's trending that way," Garrett said. "Been really good, and I think everything's pointed in that direction."
His offseason featured a trade request and ended with a four-year contract extension which will run through the 2030 season. Now, back in the building and preparing for the 2025 season, he's focused on improving upon his individual success from 2024 and creating an impact for the defense in 2025.
Yet, even following the contract extension, Garrett doesn't believe his responsibilities and power have changed since he was drafted by the Browns in 2017 as the No. 1 overall pick. Garrett believes he has held a high level of responsibility over the last eight seasons as he cemented himself as a foundational piece for the Browns.
"The day I stepped forth here at this facility, with this organization, I've had an opportunity to have a platform and to set a standard," Garrett said. "And I've got to continue to be the leader for this team and set that standard."
The Browns struggled to win games during the 2024 season finishing 3-14, but Garrett broke NFL records for his success on the field. He became the 45th player in NFL history since 1982 to surpass 100 career sacks, and the fourth-fastest player to do so with his 115th game. He is also the only player to accomplish that feat before his 29th birthday. Garrett's102.5 career sacks are the second-most in the NFL since 2017 – just behind T.J. Watt – and are the most by a Brown all time.
Get an inside look at the Cleveland Browns' offseason training as players gear up and go through drills during Mandatory Minicamp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus.
Defensive end Myles Garrett (95) during the first day of mandatory minicamp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on June 10, 2025.
Offensive Coordinator Tommy Rees and Tight end David Njoku (85) during the first day of mandatory minicamp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on June 10, 2025.
Wide receiver Jamari Thrash (80) and Quarterback Shedeur Sanders (12) during the first day of mandatory minicamp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on June 10, 2025.
Cornerback Martin Emerson Jr. (1) during the first day of mandatory minicamp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on June 10, 2025.
Cornerback Tony Brown II (11) during the first day of mandatory minicamp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on June 10, 2025.
Safety Donovan McMillon (31) during the first day of mandatory minicamp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on June 10, 2025.
Quarterback Kenny Pickett (8) during the first day of mandatory minicamp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on June 10, 2025.
Linebacker Easton Mascarenas-Arnold (42) during the first day of mandatory minicamp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on June 10, 2025.
Cornerback Tony Brown II (11) during the first day of mandatory minicamp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on June 10, 2025.
Running Backs Coach Duce Staley during the first day of mandatory minicamp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on June 10, 2025.
Defensive Coordinator Jim Schwartz during the first day of mandatory minicamp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on June 10, 2025.
Bill Willis Diversity Fellow Michael Bearden during the first day of mandatory minicamp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on June 10, 2025.
Cornerback Myles Harden (26) during the first day of mandatory minicamp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on June 10, 2025.
Offensive guard Javion Cohen (67) during the first day of mandatory minicamp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on June 10, 2025.
Offensive guard Zak Zinter (70) during the first day of mandatory minicamp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on June 10, 2025.
Safety Grant Delpit (9) during the first day of mandatory minicamp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on June 10, 2025.
Offensive tackle Jackson Barton (68) during the first day of mandatory minicamp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on June 10, 2025.
Cornerback Denzel Ward (21) during the first day of mandatory minicamp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on June 10, 2025.
Offensive guard Teven Jenkins (74) during the first day of mandatory minicamp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on June 10, 2025.
Offensive guard Joel Bitonio (75) during the first day of mandatory minicamp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on June 10, 2025.
Offensive guard Brady Latham (64) during the first day of mandatory minicamp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on June 10, 2025.
Assistant Defensive Line Coach Adam Morris during the first day of mandatory minicamp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on June 10, 2025.
Cornerback LaMareon James (27) during the first day of mandatory minicamp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on June 10, 2025.
Defensive end Julian Okwara (53) during the first day of mandatory minicamp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on June 10, 2025.
Cornerback Myles Harden (26) during the first day of mandatory minicamp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on June 10, 2025.
Defensive tackle Mason Graham (94) during the first day of mandatory minicamp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on June 10, 2025.
Safety Rayshawn Jenkins (28) during the first day of mandatory minicamp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on June 10, 2025.
Assistant Offensive Line Coach Ben Wilkerson during the first day of mandatory minicamp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on June 10, 2025.
Defensive end Myles Garrett (95) during the first day of mandatory minicamp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on June 10, 2025.
Offensive tackle Dawand Jones (79) during the first day of mandatory minicamp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on June 10, 2025.
Defensive tackle Mason Graham (94) during the first day of mandatory minicamp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on June 10, 2025.
Quarterback Joe Flacco (15) during the first day of mandatory minicamp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on June 10, 2025.
Linebacker Carson Schwesinger (49) during the first day of mandatory minicamp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on June 10, 2025.
Cornerback Greg Newsome II (0) during the first day of mandatory minicamp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on June 10, 2025.
Quarterback Coach Bill Musgrave during the first day of mandatory minicamp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on June 10, 2025.
Offensive Coordinator Tommy Rees during the first day of mandatory minicamp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on June 10, 2025.
Quarterback Joe Flacco (15) during the first day of mandatory minicamp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on June 10, 2025.
Offensive Assistant Sanders Davis during the first day of mandatory minicamp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on June 10, 2025.
Quarterback Kenny Pickett (8) during the first day of mandatory minicamp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on June 10, 2025.
A helmet during the first day of mandatory minicamp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on June 10, 2025.
Defensive end Ogbo Okoronkwo (54) during the first day of mandatory minicamp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on June 10, 2025.
Director of College Scouting Max Paulus during the first day of mandatory minicamp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on June 10, 2025.
Wide receiver Jaelen Gill (38) during the first day of mandatory minicamp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on June 10, 2025.
Wide receiver Gage Larvadain (84) during the first day of mandatory minicamp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on June 10, 2025.
Safety Damontae Kazee (23) during the first day of mandatory minicamp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on June 10, 2025.
Defensive end Elerson G. Smith (52) during the first day of mandatory minicamp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on June 10, 2025.
Safety Damontae Kazee (23) during the first day of mandatory minicamp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on June 10, 2025.
Defensive end Joe Tryon-Shoyinka (90) during the first day of mandatory minicamp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on June 10, 2025.
Linebacker Jordan Hicks (58) during the first day of mandatory minicamp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on June 10, 2025.
Linebacker Mohamoud Diabate (43) during the first day of mandatory minicamp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on June 10, 2025.
Linebacker Jerome Baker (17) during the first day of mandatory minicamp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on June 10, 2025.
Defensive end Myles Garrett (95) during the first day of mandatory minicamp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on June 10, 2025.
Defensive end Myles Garrett (95) during the first day of mandatory minicamp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on June 10, 2025.
Linebacker Jerome Baker (17) during the first day of mandatory minicamp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on June 10, 2025.
Linebacker Jordan Hicks (58) during the first day of mandatory minicamp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on June 10, 2025.
Linebacker Nathaniel Watson (40) during the first day of mandatory minicamp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on June 10, 2025.
Linebacker Devin Bush (30) during the first day of mandatory minicamp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on June 10, 2025.
Linebacker Winston Reid (59) during the first day of mandatory minicamp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on June 10, 2025.
Wide receiver Diontae Johnson (16) during the first day of mandatory minicamp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on June 10, 2025.
Linebacker Jerome Baker (17) during the first day of mandatory minicamp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on June 10, 2025.
Quarterback Shedeur Sanders (12) during the first day of mandatory minicamp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on June 10, 2025.
Tight end David Njoku (85) during the first day of mandatory minicamp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on June 10, 2025.
Linebacker Carson Schwesinger (49) during the first day of mandatory minicamp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on June 10, 2025.
Tight end Harold Fannin Jr. (88) during the first day of mandatory minicamp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on June 10, 2025.
Wide receiver Gage Larvadain (84) during the first day of mandatory minicamp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on June 10, 2025.
Tight end Brenden Bates (82) during the first day of mandatory minicamp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on June 10, 2025.
Linebacker Carson Schwesinger (49) during the first day of mandatory minicamp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on June 10, 2025.
Tight end Blake Whiteheart (86) during the first day of mandatory minicamp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on June 10, 2025.
Tight Ends Coach Christian Jones during the first day of mandatory minicamp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on June 10, 2025.
Wide receiver Ja'seem Reed (83) during the first day of mandatory minicamp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on June 10, 2025.
Wide receiver DeAndre Carter (2) during the first day of mandatory minicamp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on June 10, 2025.
Wide receiver Jamari Thrash (80) during the first day of mandatory minicamp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on June 10, 2025.
Fullback Troy Hairston (36) during the first day of mandatory minicamp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on June 10, 2025.
Running back Dylan Sampson (22) during the first day of mandatory minicamp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on June 10, 2025.
Running back Ahmani Marshall (39) during the first day of mandatory minicamp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on June 10, 2025.
Assistant Offensive Line Coach Ben Wilkerson during the first day of mandatory minicamp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on June 10, 2025.
Quarterback Dillon Gabriel (5) during the first day of mandatory minicamp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on June 10, 2025.
Center Ethan Pocic (55) during the first day of mandatory minicamp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on June 10, 2025.
Defensive end Ogbo Okoronkwo (54) during the first day of mandatory minicamp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on June 10, 2025.
Wide receiver Diontae Johnson (16) during the first day of mandatory minicamp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on June 10, 2025.
Defensive end Isaiah McGuire (57) and Defensive end Cameron Thomas (99) during the first day of mandatory minicamp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on June 10, 2025.
Cornerback Denzel Ward (21) during the first day of mandatory minicamp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on June 10, 2025.
Defensive end Myles Garrett (95) during the first day of mandatory minicamp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on June 10, 2025.
Defensive Coordinator Jim Schwartz during the first day of mandatory minicamp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on June 10, 2025.
Cornerback Nik Needham (25) during the first day of mandatory minicamp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on June 10, 2025.
Defensive end Myles Garrett (95) during the first day of mandatory minicamp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on June 10, 2025.
Wide receiver Kaden Davis (89) during the first day of mandatory minicamp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on June 10, 2025.
Wide receiver Luke Floriea (37) and Safety Damontae Kazee (23) during the first day of mandatory minicamp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on June 10, 2025.
Wide receiver DeAndre Carter (2) during the first day of mandatory minicamp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on June 10, 2025.
Safety Grant Delpit (9) during the first day of mandatory minicamp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on June 10, 2025.
Safety Grant Delpit (9) during the first day of mandatory minicamp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on June 10, 2025.
Cornerback Denzel Ward (21) during the first day of mandatory minicamp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on June 10, 2025.
Linebacker Nathaniel Watson (40) during the first day of mandatory minicamp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on June 10, 2025.
The scenery during the first day of mandatory minicamp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on June 10, 2025.
Cornerback Tony Brown II (11) during the first day of mandatory minicamp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on June 10, 2025.
Cornerback Martin Emerson Jr. (1) during the first day of mandatory minicamp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on June 10, 2025.
Wide receiver Kaden Davis (89) during the first day of mandatory minicamp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on June 10, 2025.
Running back Quinshon Judkins (10) during the first day of mandatory minicamp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on June 10, 2025.
Safety Christopher Edmonds (41) during the first day of mandatory minicamp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on June 10, 2025.
Tight end David Njoku (85) during the first day of mandatory minicamp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on June 10, 2025.
Tight end David Njoku (85) during the first day of mandatory minicamp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on June 10, 2025.
Tight end Blake Whiteheart (86) during the first day of mandatory minicamp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on June 10, 2025.
Wide receiver Jerry Jeudy (3) during the first day of mandatory minicamp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on June 10, 2025.
Linebacker Devin Bush (30) during the first day of mandatory minicamp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on June 10, 2025.
Running back Dylan Sampson (22) during the first day of mandatory minicamp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on June 10, 2025.
Safety Rayshawn Jenkins (28) during the first day of mandatory minicamp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on June 10, 2025.
Head Coach Kevin Stefanski during the first day of mandatory minicamp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on June 10, 2025.
Wide receiver Gage Larvadain (84) during the first day of mandatory minicamp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on June 10, 2025.
Defensive Coordinator Jim Schwartz during the first day of mandatory minicamp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on June 10, 2025.
Defensive end Myles Garrett (95), Defensive end Isaiah McGuire (57) and Defensive end Alex Wright (91) during the first day of mandatory minicamp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on June 10, 2025.
A tackle machine during the first day of mandatory minicamp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on June 10, 2025.
Linebacker Nathaniel Watson (40) during the first day of mandatory minicamp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on June 10, 2025.
The scenery during the first day of mandatory minicamp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on June 10, 2025.
Cornerback Nik Needham (25) during the first day of mandatory minicamp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on June 10, 2025.
Safeties Coach Ephraim Banda during the first day of mandatory minicamp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on June 10, 2025.
Safety Damontae Kazee (23) during the first day of mandatory minicamp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on June 10, 2025.
Linebacker Devin Bush (30) during the first day of mandatory minicamp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on June 10, 2025.
Linebacker Winston Reid (59) during the first day of mandatory minicamp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on June 10, 2025.
Safety Donovan McMillon (31) during the first day of mandatory minicamp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on June 10, 2025.
And while his individual accolades play a role in their success as a unit, the defense as a whole has to play to their standard. As a defense, the Browns are focused on improving their overall dominance in 2025. Schwartz wants to them to be better in how they end drives, with a focus on third down percentage and takeaways.
Garrett believes they will be better as a unit in 2025, a belief that stems from the communication he had with teammates throughout the offseason to see how they were working, as well as being back in the building to kick off minicamp.
"I like where we are as a defensive unit," Garrett said. "It's really firing, really rolling, and I think it's really clicking as far as the scheme and the plays, especially early on. That's big."
Yet, to reach their potential, Garrett also thinks the intensity and sense of urgency must be taken to the next level. He believes he must step more into that role of being a leader for the entire locker room and is prepared to do so for his teammates. He knows that example starts this week in minicamp and will continue throughout training camp as they prepare for Week 1 of the regular season.
"That's what's been laid out for me. […] 'll take the reins and I'll be that guy," Garrett said. "I'll continue to grow as a leader and as a player, which I expect to every year. And I'm going to do what I can."
