At a Glance
- Myles Garrett sets new NFL sack record with 23 sacks, surpassing Strahan and Watt’s 22.5-sack mark.
- The record was broken on the 5:09 remaining in the fourth quarter against the Bengals.
- The play came in the last minutes.
- Why it matters: It redefines the pass-rushing benchmark for future seasons.
In a dramatic finish to Sunday’s game in Cincinnati, Cleveland’s pass-rushing star Myles Garrett eclipsed the NFL single-season sack record, finishing the season with 23 sacks and leaving a new benchmark for future generations.
Record-Breaking Moment
With 5:09 left in the fourth quarter, Garrett forced a 6-yard loss on Joe Burrow’s first-and-10, pushing his total to 23 sacks.
- The sack came on the Bengals’ 45-yard line.
- Burrow was in shotgun formation when he saw Garrett coming.
- The play left the Browns with a 23-sack season.
Career Overview
Garrett has amassed 51 sacks over nine seasons, with Burrow leading the list of quarterbacks he has sacked at 12.
- He has recorded at least half a sack in 11 of 12 games, including Sunday.
- His team-record five sacks came against the Patriots on Oct. 26.
- Four sacks were recorded against the Ravens on Nov. 14, and three against the Raiders on the following week.
Historical Context
The record was previously shared by Michael Strahan (22.5 in 2001) and T.J. Watt (22.5 in 2021), after Mark Gastineau’s 22-sack 1984 mark was surpassed.
| Player | Season | Sacks |
|---|---|---|
| Mark Gastineau | 1984 | 22 |
| Michael Strahan | 2001 | 22.5 |
| T.J. Watt | 2021 | 22.5 |
| Myles Garrett | 2026 | 23 |
Key Takeaways
- Garrett’s 23-sack season sets a new NFL single-season record.
- The record was broken in the final minutes of a game against the Bengals.
- He has shown remarkable consistency, with half-sack games in 11 of 12 contests.
Garrett’s record-setting season not only redefines the pass-rushing benchmark but also highlights his consistency, with half-sack performances in 11 of 12 games.
