On February 6, 2026, the NFL officially recognized Myles Garrett as the Defensive Player of the Year, sealing his status as one of the league’s most dominant defensive forces. Playing for the Cleveland Browns, Garrett broke longstanding records with an unprecedented 23 sacks this past season, earning unanimous votes and setting a new standard in the NFL defensive landscape.
Myles Garrett’s Historic Defensive Season
Despite the Cleveland Browns struggling offensively during the 2025 campaign, Myles Garrett’s performances on defense were nothing short of extraordinary. Garrett surpassed the previous league sack record of 22.5, shared by legendary players Michael Strahan and T.J. Watt, by recording 23 sacks this season. This feat alone secured his Defensive Player of the Year award and earned him unanimous support, making Garrett only the second player in the award’s history to receive every vote.
Garrett didn’t stop at breaking the league sack record. He also tallied 33 tackles for loss—one of the highest totals in the NFL for over two decades. In addition, he set multiple franchise milestones for the Browns, including breaking his own single-season sack record that he established five years ago. Beyond that, Garrett moved past Reggie White to claim the record for most career sacks (125.5) by any NFL player under 30 years old, cementing his legacy early in his career.
Unfortunately for Garrett, his individual brilliance couldn’t fully compensate for the Browns’ offensive shortcomings, limiting his team’s success. Yet, his impact on the defensive unit was undeniable and remains a beacon of hope for Cleveland’s rebuilding future.
Context For the Season’s Awards
The 2025 NFL Honors ceremony, held as the league’s attention turned to the upcoming Super Bowl, delivered thrilling outcomes across multiple categories. The award announcements capped off a season filled with tight races and unexpected breakthroughs, spotlighting players who reshaped narratives in both offensive and defensive realms.
Among the highlights was the nail-biting MVP race between Matthew Stafford of the Los Angeles Rams and Drake Maye from the New England Patriots. Stafford clinched the award by a razor-thin margin of just five points, showcasing a remarkable 2025 season with 4,707 passing yards and 46 touchdowns. His performance secured him a third Pro Bowl selection and first-team All-Pro honors, reinforcing why he was the MVP favorite entering the awards night.
Other Defensive Standouts and Rookie Impact
Beyond Garrett’s dominance, the defensive rookie of the year award went to Carson Schwesinger, another key player for Cleveland’s defense. Schwesinger amassed 146 tackles, including 11 for loss, and contributed two interceptions, marking him among the top defensive rookies in the league. His emergence alongside Garrett helped the Browns secure a position among the league’s better defenses, despite their struggling offense ranked near the bottom in scoring.
Offensive Player Achievements and Emerging Stars
On offense, Jaxon Smith-Njigba of the Seattle Seahawks stole the spotlight by winning Offensive Player of the Year. Smith-Njigba shattered the Seahawks’ franchise record with 1,793 receiving yards while delivering 10 touchdowns. His involvement in the offense was immense, commanding the highest target share in the league at 36.2 percent. Notably, Smith-Njigba became only the sixth wide receiver to earn the Offensive Player of the Year award since its inception in 1972.
Additionally, the Offensive Rookie of the Year award was claimed by Tetairoa McMillan of the Carolina Panthers. The rookie receiver registered 1,014 yards and 70 receptions, including 27 explosive gains, leading all rookie receivers. His performance laid a solid foundation for Carolina’s offensive future alongside quarterback Bryce Young, who described McMillan as “elite.”
Coaching Success With New England Patriots
Mike Vrabel’s first year as head coach of the New England Patriots was transformative. After two consecutive 4–13 seasons, Vrabel restored hope by guiding the team to an AFC East title and a comfortable playoff berth, eventually securing a spot in the Super Bowl. Vrabel’s approach centered on building genuine connections within the locker room through the ‘4 Hs’ initiative, which encouraged players and staff to share their history, hero, heartbreak, and hope, fostering increased trust and accountability. The culture shift spearheaded by Vrabel might have laid the groundwork for sustained success, enhancing his position as a coach to watch in the coming years.
Additional Honors and Recognitions Across the League
Other awards at the NFL Honors evening recognized significant contributions. Joe Thuney, guard for the Chicago Bears, earned Protector of the Year for his outstanding offensive line performance. Christian McCaffrey of the San Francisco 49ers was named Comeback Player of the Year in recognition of his return from injury setbacks. Meanwhile, Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels received Assistant Coach of the Year honors in acknowledgment of his crucial role reshaping New England’s offense during their resurgence under Mike Vrabel’s guidance.
The Broader Impact and What Lies Ahead
Myles Garrett’s 2025 season and Defensive Player of the Year accolade not only signify personal triumph but also highlight a relentless drive that electrifies Cleveland’s defense despite surrounding challenges. Garrett’s record-breaking achievements and consistent dominance at such a young age forecast many more exceptional seasons ahead. His performance symbolizes a beacon for Browns fans eager for their team to overcome offensive struggles and ascend to playoff contention.
The NFL’s season awards overall narrate a story of fierce competition, record-setting feats, and promising talent emerging across the league. As the Super Bowl approaches, anticipation builds around how these standout players and coaches will perform on football’s biggest stage, potentially cementing their legacies and setting new standards for future seasons.
