At a Glance
- Myles Garrett‘s 23rd sack vs the Bengals broke the NFL single-season sack record.
- He surpassed Michael Strahan and T.J. Watt, who each had 22.5 sacks.
- The record was set in just 17 games, fewer than either predecessor.
- Why it matters: The record cements Garrett as one of the league’s premier pass-rushers and signals a potential Hall-of-Fame trajectory.
On Sunday, Cleveland Browns defensive end Myles Garrett recorded his 23rd sack of the season in the fourth quarter against the Cincinnati Bengals, shattering the NFL single-season sack record that had stood since 2001. The 30-year-old, drafted first overall in 2017, surpassed the 22.5-sack marks set by Michael Strahan and T.J. Watt, and did so in just 17 games-fewer than either predecessor.
Record-Breaking Performance
Garrett’s sack came after blowing past left tackle Orlando Brown Jr. and forcing quarterback Joe Burrow to the ground. The play occurred in the fourth quarter of a divisional matchup, and it gave Garrett sole possession of the record.
| Player | Season Sacks |
|---|---|
| Myles Garrett | 23 |
| Michael Strahan | 22.5 |
| T.J. Watt | 22.5 |
Season-Long Dominance
Throughout the 2023 campaign, Garrett has been a relentless threat to quarterbacks. He began with four sacks in his first three games, then endured a three-game dry spell, before returning to form with at least half a sack in nine consecutive outings. Highlights include five sacks vs the Patriots, four vs the Ravens, and three vs the Raiders.
- Five sacks against the Patriots
- Four sacks against the Ravens
- Three sacks against the Raiders
He was shut out by the Steelers in Week 17 before reclaiming form on Sunday.
Career Milestones
Garrett turned 30 on Dec. 29 and has amassed 125.5 career sacks, tying for 20th all-time and ranking third among active players behind Von Miller and Cameron Jordan. He has recorded at least 10 sacks in eight straight seasons, following a 7-sack rookie campaign. The 2023 Defensive Player of the Year is poised to claim the award again as his Hall-of-Fame résumé grows.
Key Takeaways
- Garrett’s 23rd sack set the single-season record.
- He achieved the mark in only 17 games, the fewest among record holders.
- His career totals position him among the all-time greats and a likely Hall-of-Fame inductee.
Myles Garrett’s record-breaking play cements his status as one of the NFL’s most dominant pass-rushers and sets the stage for a legacy that may soon include Hall-of-Fame recognition.
