A Former Standout Player For Texas A&M Was Named NFL Defensive Player Of The Year 2023

Myles Garrett wins the Associated Press Defensive Player of the Year award for the first time in his illustrious career. The award was given to the former Texas A&M and current Cleveland Browns player on Thursday at the NFL Honors ceremony in Las Vegas.

That’s quite an achievement for Myles Garrett! Winning the NFL Defensive Player of the Year award is a testament to his skill, hard work, and impact on the field. Garrett, known for his exceptional pass-rushing abilities and disruptive presence on defense, has undoubtedly made a significant impact in the league. This recognition likely solidifies his status as one of the premier defensive players in the NFL.

Of the 50 votes cast for the award, 23 went to Garrett in the first place. With a final score of 165, he finished ahead of T.J. Watt (140) of Pittsburgh, Dallas Cowboys linebacker Micah Parsons (89), Maxx Crosby (21), Las Vegas Raiders defensive end, Dallas Cowboys cornerback DaRon Bland (14), safety Antoine Winfield Jr. (7) of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Fred Warner (7) of the San Francisco 49ers, Roquan Smith (4) of the Baltimore Ravens, Dexter Lawrence (1) of the New York Giants, Khalil Mack (1) of the Los Angeles Chargers, and Justin Madubuike (1) of the Baltimore Ravens.

This season, in 16 games, the 272-pound, 6-foot-4 Garrett led the Browns in sacks with 14. 42 stops, 17 stops for a loss, 37 pressures, 30 quarterback hits, 16 quarterback knockdowns, 6 quarterback hurries, 3 passes defensed, 4 forced fumbles, 1 fumble recovery, and a blocked punt were also among his stats.
Cleveland probably had the greatest defense in the NFL this season, led by Garrett. In terms of total defense (allowing 270.2 yards per game), pass defense (164.7 yards allowed per game), and third-down defense (allowing opponents to convert 29.1% of third downs), the Browns were the league leaders.

In addition to winning AP Defensive Player of the Year, Garrett won several other awards at the end of the campaign. He was selected for the first team All-Pro for the third time, and he made his fifth Pro Bowl. He was also voted Defensive Player of the Year by Sporting News and Pro Football Writers of America.

Garrett has only strengthened the Browns’ choice to select him with the first overall pick in the 2017 NFL Draft during his tenure with the team, which began in 2017. With 88.5, he leads their all-time sack leader already. No other NFL player, outside Garrett, has had at least 14 sacks in each of the previous three seasons or at least 10 sacks in each of the previous six.

Garrett played three seasons with the Aggies (2014–16) prior to joining the Browns. Garrett racked up 145 total tackles, 48.5 tackles for a loss, 32.5 sacks, one interception, five passes defended, seven forced fumbles, and one fumble recovery in 36 career games.

Garrett solidified his status as the anticipated first overall choice in the 2016 NFL Draft. Garrett was unanimously selected as an All-American despite missing much of the season due to an ankle injury. He finished the season with 33 tackles, 15 tackles for a loss, 8.5 sacks, one pass defensed, two forced fumbles, and a fumble recovery.

Garrett was first recruited by A&M for its 2014 class. The Arlington, Texas-based Martin product was ranked as the top overall player in the 2014 cycle by 247Sports.