The recognition for DE Myles Garrett's historic season continues.
The Pro Football Writers of America (PFWA) announced Garrett as their 2025 Defensive Player of the Year on Wednesday. This is the second time Garrett has won the award from the PFWA, first earning the honor in 2023. He also has both Browns' honors since the award was instituted in 1992 and is the 14th defensive end to earn the PFWA Defensive Player of the Year honor.
Garrett made history throughout the season, capping off the year by setting the NFL single-season sack record in Week 18 with his 23rd sack. He also broke the Browns single-season sack record that he set in 2021 and tied in 2022. He became the first player since 1982 to record 12 sacks in six consecutive seasons when he recorded his 12th sack of the season in Week 11, as well set the record for the most sacks by a player under the age of 30, surpassing Reggie White. He is also the first player in NFL history to record at least 14 sacks in four consecutive seasons.
"When you watch him in the preseason, it was probably the most dominant preseason he's ever had," defensive line coach Jacques Cesaire said in December 2025. "I mean, he didn't lose one one-on-one rep, and that goes for the joint practices and our practices. He had a singular focus on just dominating every play, and you saw that throughout the year. So, I'm happy with what he's done and how he's developed as a football player. […] That guy works so hard to continue to develop and be the most dominant defensive player that I think we've ever seen."
Garrett had three games this season with at least three sacks, with his best game of the season against the Patriots in Week 8 with five sacks. His five sacks in Week 8 not only set a season-high, but also broke his own Browns' record for the most sacks in a game, as well as were the most sacks by an NFL player in a game this season. Garrett recorded at least a half of a sack in nine straight games, the longest streak of his career, and 12 total games.
In addition to his 23 sacks, Garrett led the league with 33 tackles for loss during the regular season – and set a career high in tackles for loss. His 33 tackles for loss are also the second-most by a player in a single season since 2000, trailing only J.J. Watt who totaled 39 tackles for loss in 2012. Garrett added 60 tackles and 39 quarterback hits, as well as one pass defensed and three forced fumbles.
"He's improved his run defense so much since I've been here. The way he's rushing is amazing. And I just, it's a special year for him as far as statistically," Cesaire said in December 2025. "You can't just overlook what he's done this whole entire year."
Earlier in the week, Garrett was also unanimously voted into the PFWA’s All-NFL team and All-AFC team. Garrett was named All-NFL for the sixth time overall – all consecutive from 2020-25, the longest current streak among active players. The streak ties him with Pro Football Hall of Famer Reggie White (1987-92) for the most consecutive first team All-NFL selections at the defensive end position in PFWA award history.
