Unstoppable Force: How Myles Garrett Shattered Records to Claim NFL Defensive Player of the Year—and What’s Next for the Legend in the Making

Myles Garrett’s journey to back-to-back NFL Defensive Player of the Year honors wasn’t an overnight sprint — nope, it was a winding road marked by grit and relentless hustle. This past Thursday night, at the NFL Honors gala, the Cleveland Browns’ powerhouse defensive end nailed the league’s premier defensive accolade once again, and let me tell you, the crowd wasn’t surprised. Presented by none other than Michael Strahan, who underscored Garrett’s unanimous victory, the moment felt like a long-overdue coronation for a player who shattered the NFL sack record with a jaw-dropping 23 in one season. Now, with 125.5 sacks under his belt and just hitting the big 3-0, Garrett’s on the cusp of etching his name among the all-time greats — dossier filled with electrifying plays and unwavering dominance. It’s not just a win; it’s a statement. LEARN MORE

SAN FRANCISCO — It took Myles Garrett a little while to break through and win an NFL Defensive Player of the Year award.

Now he has two.

Garrett, who won DPOY two years ago, won the league’s top defensive prize again when the NFL’s season awards were announced at the league’s NFL Honors show on Thursday night. Garrett’s award was presented by Michael Strahan, who said Garrett won unanimously.

“I’m thankful for every one of my teammates who helped me get up here,” Garrett, wearing a black cowboy hat at the show, said as he was presented the award.

Garrett, the Cleveland Browns’ star defensive end, was an easy pick. He set an NFL record with 23 sacks this season. He has 125.5 sacks in his nine NFL season and just turned 30 years old, meaning he could enter the top-five all-time list in career sacks (Chris Doleman is fifth with 150.5) within the next two seasons.

The rest of the annual awards from the NFL Honors show will be updated as they’re announced on Thursday night:

Offensive Rookie of the Year: Carolina Panthers WR Tetairoa McMillan

McMillan, the eighth pick of last year’s NFL Draft, had a consistent, productive season for a Panthers team that won the NFC South. McMillan had 1,014 yards and seven touchdowns. McMillan beat out Patriots RB TreVeyon Henderson, Saints QB Tyler Shough, Giants QB Jaxson Dart and Buccaneers WR Emeka Egbuka, who were the other finalists.