In a moment that will be etched in the annals of American football history, Cleveland Browns defensive end Myles Garrett has officially shattered one of the NFL's most prestigious records. On Sunday, during a game against the Cincinnati Bengals, Garrett recorded his 23rd sack of the 2025 season, breaking the long-standing single-season sack record that was co-held by Michael Strahan and T.J. Watt.
A Record Chase Culminates in Fourth-Quarter Glory
The historic moment arrived in the fourth quarter when Garrett relentlessly pursued and took down Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow. This wasn't just another sack; it was the play that toppled the previous mark of 22.5 sacks, a record shared by New York Giants legend Michael Strahan (set in 2001) and Pittsburgh Steelers star T.J. Watt (matched in 2021). Garrett's record-breaking performance instantly cemented his status as one of the most dominant defensive forces of the modern NFL era.
The Anatomy of a Historic 2025 Campaign
Garrett's record-breaking year was no accident but a testament to sustained excellence and relentless pressure. His 2025 campaign was a masterclass from start to finish.
He led the NFL in sacks for the majority of the season, maintaining a record-breaking pace even when the Browns' defense faced challenges. Earlier in the year, he first rewrote the Cleveland Browns' franchise record, surpassing his own previous best of 16 sacks.
The season was punctuated by several elite, game-wrecking performances. These included multiple multi-sack games, most notably a five-sack outing that tied the Browns' single-game franchise record and provided a massive boost to his season total.
Perhaps most impressively, Garrett showcased remarkable consistency. He became the first player since 1982 to record at least 12 sacks in six consecutive seasons, proving his dominance is not a one-year wonder. After a start that was considered slow by his own high standards, a midseason surge propelled him into record territory, and he never relinquished that momentum.
Social Media Erupts and Era Debates Ignite
As the news of Garrett's 23rd sack spread, social media platforms exploded with reactions. Fans, analysts, and fellow players flooded timelines with a mix of pure admiration for his athletic feat and heated debates about comparing NFL statistics across different eras.
While many celebrated the sheer dominance of Garrett's achievement, others revisited discussions about sack record-keeping and how the game has evolved since Strahan's time. These reactions highlighted not just the fandom for a superstar but also the ongoing cultural conversation about legacy and history in professional sports.
Myles Garrett did more than just chase a number in the record books; he created a new standard for defensive excellence. By setting the official NFL single-season sack record at 23 sacks, he has ascended to an exclusive pantheon occupied by the greatest defensive players in league history. Regardless of era-based debates, Garrett's 2025 season will be remembered as a defining, premier defensive performance that redefined what is possible for a pass rusher.
