Cleveland Browns Star Myles Garrett Earns Prestigious PFWA Defensive Player of the Year Honor
Cleveland Browns defensive powerhouse Myles Garrett has secured another significant accolade to enhance his already impressive career achievements. Following an extraordinary record-breaking 2025 campaign, Garrett has been honored with the Pro Football Writers of America Defensive Player of the Year award. This recognition serves as a well-deserved tribute to what many consider one of the most commanding seasons ever delivered by a pass rusher in NFL history.
A Season of Individual Excellence Amid Team Struggles
Despite the Cleveland Browns experiencing a challenging year as a collective unit, Garrett's individual brilliance consistently shone through each week. His remarkable performances not only kept the Browns competitive in numerous matchups but also allowed him to rewrite sections of the NFL record books. While the team found themselves near the bottom of the AFC North standings, Garrett emerged as the primary source of optimism and defensive prowess for the franchise.
Historic Sack Record and Dominant Statistics
The pinnacle of Garrett's exceptional season occurred during Week 18, when he achieved his 23rd sack of the year. This monumental accomplishment officially established him as the NFL's single-season sack leader, surpassing the previous record of 22.5 sacks jointly held by Michael Strahan and T.J. Watt. Throughout the 17-game season, Garrett compiled an impressive array of statistics:
- 23 sacks (NFL record)
- 60 total tackles
- 33 tackles for loss (career-high)
- 3 forced fumbles
Garrett consistently applied pressure to opposing quarterbacks, frequently attracting double teams and additional protection schemes from offensive coordinators across the league. Despite these strategic efforts to contain him, he maintained elite-level production throughout the season.
PFWA Award Significance and Future Prospects
The PFWA Defensive Player of the Year award represents one of the most esteemed individual honors in professional football, determined through votes by reporters who closely follow the league throughout the season. This marks the second time Garrett has received this prestigious recognition, having previously won the award in 2023. Historically, the PFWA winner frequently proceeds to capture the NFL's official AP Defensive Player of the Year award, positioning Garrett favorably for additional accolades at the upcoming NFL Honors ceremony.
League-Wide Recognition and Franchise Impact
Across the NFL landscape, players, coaches, and analysts promptly acknowledged Garrett's substantial impact on the game. Many characterized his 2025 campaign as among the most comprehensive defensive seasons they have witnessed in recent memory. The Cleveland Browns organization swiftly celebrated this achievement, sharing congratulatory messages on social media platforms while receiving supportive responses from teammates and devoted fans.
At 30 years of age, Garrett has firmly established himself among the premier defensive players of his generation. His recent long-term contract extension ensures he will remain with the Browns through the 2030 season, providing the franchise with a cornerstone defensive presence. For Cleveland, Garrett's latest award reinforces that they possess a genuine superstar around whom to build their defensive strategy. As the organization seeks stability and renewed direction following coaching adjustments, Garrett continues to serve as the definitive face of the Browns' defense.
