At a Glance
- Myles Garrett sets NFL single-season sack record with 23rd tackle vs Bengals.
- He surpassed Michael Strahan and T.J. Watt, both 22.5 sacks.
- The record was earned in 17 games, the fewest among recent record holders.
- Why it matters: Garrett’s achievement cements him as one of the league’s most dominant pass rushers, adding to his Hall-of-Fame resume.
Myles Garrett shattered the NFL single-season sack record during a Sunday matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals, handing the Cleveland Browns a hard-fought win. The 30-year-old’s 23rd sack eclipsed the 22.5-sack mark shared by Michael Strahan and T.J. Watt, and it came in just 17 games-fewer than the previous record holders. With this milestone, Garrett’s already impressive résumé now includes a record-breaking season, a Defensive Player of the Year award, and a growing list of accolades.
Record-Breaking Sack
The pivotal play came in the fourth quarter of Week 18 when Garrett bulldozed left tackle Orlando Brown Jr. and forced a sack on Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow, sending him to the ground. That tackle marked Garrett’s 23rd sack of the season, breaking the record that had stood since 2001 and 2021. The move was a defining moment in an otherwise tight contest.
- 23rd sack of season
- 17 games played
- Previous record: 22.5 sacks by Strahan (2001) and Watt (2021)
Season Performance Highlights
Garrett started the season with four sacks in his first three games, then entered a three-game dry spell. After that lull, he recorded at least half a sack in nine consecutive games, including five against the New England Patriots, four against the Baltimore Ravens, and three against the Las Vegas Raiders. He was held to zero sacks by the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 17 before re-emerging on Sunday.
- 4 sacks in first 3 games
- 3-game dry spell
- 9 straight games with ≥½ sack
- 5 vs Patriots, 4 vs Ravens, 3 vs Raiders
- 0 vs Steelers Week 17
Career Overview & Accolades
Garrett, who turns 30 on Dec. 29, has amassed 125.5 career sacks, tying him for 20th all-time and placing him third among active players behind Von Miller and Cameron Jordan. He has recorded at least 10 sacks in eight straight seasons after posting seven as a rookie. The 2023 Defensive Player of the Year award underscores his continued dominance and suggests a strong case for a second DPOTY this season.
| Metric | 2023 | Career |
|---|---|---|
| Sacks | 23 | 125.5 |
| All-time rank | 20th | 3rd among active |
| DPOTY | 2023 | 2023 |
These numbers illustrate Garrett’s consistent impact over a decade of play.
Key Takeaways
- Garrett’s 23rd sack broke the single-season record.
- He dominated the season with a streak of nine games at least half a sack.
- His career totals rank him 20th all-time and third among active players.
With the record now secure, Garrett’s legacy as one of the NFL’s premier pass rushers grows even stronger, and his Hall-of-Fame trajectory looks brighter than ever.
