Myles Lorenz Garrett was born on December 29, 1995. He is an American professional football player. He plays as a defensive end for the Cleveland Browns in the National Football League (NFL).
Garrett played college football at Texas A&M University. Because of his strong performances, he was named a unanimous All-American in 2016. In the 2017 NFL Draft, the Cleveland Browns selected him as the first overall pick.
Over the years, Garrett became the all-time sack leader for the Cleveland Browns. In 2023, he won the NFL Defensive Player of the Year award. He has been selected to the Pro Bowl seven times and named First-Team All-Pro four times.
During the 2025 season, Garrett recorded 23 sacks in a single season, setting a new NFL record.
Early Life and Background
Myles Garrett was one of the best high school athletes in the United States. He earned a five-star rating from Rivals.com and was ranked as the second-best player in his class.
He studied at Martin High School in Arlington, Texas. There, he played football, basketball, and track and field. In his senior football season, he recorded 19.5 sacks and won the Landry Award in 2013, which is given to the best high school football player in the Dallas–Fort Worth area.
Garrett also competed in track and field. He qualified at the state level in throwing events, with a best shot put throw of 16.01 meters and a discus throw of 50.84 meters. In October 2013, he committed to play college football at Texas A&M University.
College Career at Texas A&M
Freshman Year
Garrett joined Texas A&M in 2014 as the second-ranked high school prospect in the country. He made an immediate impact. In just six games, he broke the school’s freshman sack record. After nine games, he also broke the SEC freshman sack record.
He finished the season with 11.5 sacks, 53 tackles, 14 tackles for loss, and one blocked kick. His performance earned him Freshman All-American and Freshman All-SEC honors. After the season, he had surgery on his injured hand.
Sophomore Year
In his second season, Garrett led the SEC with 12.5 sacks. He recorded 57 total tackles, forced five fumbles, and blocked a punt against Alabama. He also caught his first career interception.
Because of his outstanding play, Garrett received First-Team All-American honors and won the Bill Willis Award as the best defensive lineman.
Junior Year
Garrett’s junior season was affected by injuries. He suffered a high ankle sprain and missed several games. Despite this, he still finished with 8.5 sacks and earned Unanimous Consensus All-American honors.
NFL Career
Pre-Draft Journey
On December 31, 2016, Garrett announced that he would enter the 2017 NFL Draft. Analysts quickly ranked him as the top prospect. ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr. placed him at No. 1 on his big board.
At the NFL Combine, Garrett impressed scouts with his strength and speed. He recorded a 41-inch vertical jump and ran one of the fastest 40-yard dashes among defensive linemen. At Texas A&M’s Pro Day, he posted strong results in all major drills.
By the end of the pre-draft process, most experts expected Garrett to be the first overall pick.
2017: Rookie Season
The Cleveland Browns selected Garrett first overall in the 2017 NFL Draft. He signed a four-year contract worth $30.41 million.
Garrett missed the first four games due to injury but made his NFL debut on October 8 against the New York Jets. In that game, he recorded two sacks, including one on his very first NFL play.
Despite playing only 11 games, he led the Browns in sacks and was named to the PFWA All-Rookie Team.
2018–2019 Seasons
In 2018, Garrett became a defensive captain and recorded 13.5 sacks. He earned his first Pro Bowl selection.
The 2019 season included strong performances but was cut short after an on-field incident against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Garrett was suspended for the remainder of the season.
2020–2022 Seasons
Garrett returned in 2020 and signed a five-year contract extension. He continued to dominate, earning Pro Bowl and All-Pro honors.
In 2021 and 2022, he recorded back-to-back 16-sack seasons. He broke franchise records and was recognized as one of the best defensive players in the NFL.
2023–2025 Seasons
In 2023, Garrett won the NFL Defensive Player of the Year award. He continued his elite play in 2024.
In 2025, after requesting a trade, Garrett instead signed a four-year contract extension worth $160 million, with $123.5 million guaranteed. This made him the highest-paid non-quarterback in NFL history. He later set a new franchise record by recording five sacks in one game and finished the season with 23 sacks.
Family and Personal Life
Myles Garrett comes from an athletic family. His parents are Audrey and Lawrence Garrett. His mother, Audrey, was an All-American track athlete. His father wrote about Myles’ discipline and character in The Player’s Tribune.
Garrett has an older half-brother, Sean Williams, who played in the NBA, and a sister named Brea, who was a college track champion at Texas A&M.
Garrett has never been married and does not have a publicly known girlfriend. He often shares messages about love, family, and gratitude on social media.
Myles Garrett Net Worth
Myles Garrett’s net worth is growing very fast. In 2025, he signed a four-year contract worth $160 million with the Cleveland Browns, including $123.5 million guaranteed. This deal made him the highest-paid non-quarterback in NFL history.
His earlier rookie contract and endorsement deals also add greatly to his total wealth.
FAQs
1. Who is Myles Garrett?
Myles Garrett is an NFL defensive end who plays for the Cleveland Browns.
2. When was Myles Garrett born?
He was born on December 29, 1995, in Arlington, Texas.
3. Which college did Myles Garrett attend?
He played college football at Texas A&M University.
4. When did Myles Garrett join the NFL?
He entered the NFL in 2017 as the first overall draft pick.
5. Why is Myles Garrett famous?
He is famous for his strength, speed, high sack numbers, and elite defensive play.
