SAN FRANCISCO — Despite the Cleveland Browns ending their 2025 season with a 5-12 record, Myles Garrett‘s individual performance left no doubt about who would claim the NFL Defensive Player of the Year title. On Thursday night at the NFL Honors in San Francisco, Garrett was honored as the unanimous Defensive Player of the Year, receiving all 50 first-place votes, marking his second award in three years.
Garrett, a 30-year-old pass-rusher, demonstrated exceptional dominance throughout the season, solidifying his status not only as the top defender currently but also as one of the most impactful players in NFL history.
Record-Breaking Performances Define Garrett’s Season
During the 2025 campaign, Garrett led the NFL with 33 tackles for loss and set a new single-season record by racking up 23 sacks, surpassing all previous marks. In just nine NFL seasons, he has rewritten Cleveland Browns history with 125½ career sacks and seven All-Pro honors.
His outstanding play earned him multiple Defensive Player of the Year awards, not only from The Associated Press but also from the Pro Football Writers of America, The Sporting News, and Pro Football Focus—the latter two honors coming for a third consecutive year. Garrett’s achievements highlight a career defined by consistency and elite impact.
Historical Context of Garrett’s Accomplishments
Myles Garrett joins an exclusive group of unanimous AP Defensive Player of the Year award winners, previously only achieved by Houston Texans great J.J. Watt during his second DPOY honor. In Cleveland Browns history, defensive tackle Jerry Sherk won a version of the award in 1976, and nose tackle Michael Dean Perry was recognized as the AFC Defensive Player of the Year in 1989 by United Press International.
Local Recognition Reflects Garrett’s Broader Impact
In addition to his NFL accolades, Garrett earned the 2025 Professional Athlete of the Year award at the Greater Cleveland Sports Awards for the third time, second only to LeBron James in the number of wins. With Garrett based in the Bay Area, Browns general manager Andrew Berry accepted the award on his behalf at Rocket Arena.
Myles Garrett is the 2025 Professional Athlete of the Year, presented by @PhysiciansAmb! The @Browns defensive end set the NFL record with 23 sacks during the 2025 season, also making him the first player in NFL history with six consecutive seasons of at least 12 sacks.… pic.twitter.com/hDLq6t1j1w
?Greater Cleveland Sports Commission
Support and Recognition from Fellow Cleveland Athletes
Garrett was one of three nominees for Cleveland’s Professional Athlete of the Year, alongside Guardians third baseman José Ramírez and Cavaliers forward Evan Mobley. Mobley, who was named the NBA Defensive Player of the Year last season, extended his congratulations to Garrett through a social media video.
🤝 From one DPOY to another. #LetEmKnow pic.twitter.com/pTvnadNld4
?Cleveland Cavaliers
Additional Honors for Browns’ Defensive Talent
Alongside Garrett’s accolades, fellow Browns player Carson Schwesinger earned the AP NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year award, becoming only the second player in franchise history to receive this honor. Schwesinger’s recognition further underscores the Browns’ defensive talent despite the team’s overall struggles in 2025.
Significance of Garrett’s Defensive Dominance
Myles Garrett’s unanimous Defensive Player of the Year award reflects both his individual excellence and his impact on the NFL defensive landscape. By setting a new single-season sack record and maintaining top-tier performance over multiple seasons, Garrett has redefined expectations for pass-rushers league-wide. His achievements reinforce Cleveland’s proud defensive heritage and provide a foundation for future success.
Looking ahead, Garrett’s exceptional consistency and ability to influence games will keep him among the NFL’s premier defenders. His leadership on and off the field serves as an inspiration for teammates and fans alike, while Cleveland’s recognition of his contributions demonstrates the community’s deep appreciation for his talent and dedication.
Myles Garrett's record-breaking season made him the unanimous DPOY ⭐️
NFL Honors on NBC/NFL Network
Stream on @NFLPlus & Peacock pic.twitter.com/rmk1coeY6q— NFL (@NFL) February 6, 2026
Myles Garrett is the 2025 Professional Athlete of the Year, presented by @PhysiciansAmb! The @Browns defensive end set the NFL record with 23 sacks during the 2025 season, also making him the first player in NFL history with six consecutive seasons of at least 12 sacks.… pic.twitter.com/hDLq6t1j1w
— Greater Cleveland Sports Commission (@CLESports) February 6, 2026
https://twitter.com/cavs/status/2019600326983315601
