Myles Garrett etched his name into NFL history Sunday, breaking the league’s single-season sack record during the Cleveland Browns’ matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals.
Garrett’s record-breaking moment came in the fourth quarter when he brought down Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow for a five-yard loss — his 23rd sack of the season. The milestone surpassed the mark of 22.5 sacks set by New York Giants legend Michael Strahan in 2001, a record later matched by Pittsburgh Steelers star T.J. Watt in 2021.
Strahan, a Pro Football Hall of Famer who played college football at Texas Southern and is currently an analyst on Fox NFL Sunday, reacted live as Garrett’s record-breaking sack was broadcast. While playfully noting the modern era’s expanded 17-game schedule, Strahan tipped his cap to the Browns’ defensive cornerstone.
“I mean I hold the record for 16-game season, they hold the record for 17-game season.” 😂@michaelstrahan reacts to @Flash_Garrett becoming the new single-season sack leader 👏 pic.twitter.com/bAKxiMmOMB
— FOX Sports: NFL (@NFLonFOX) January 4, 2026
“I mean, I hold the record for a 16-game season — they hold the record for a 17-game season,” Strahan said with a grin, drawing laughs from his colleagues on set. “That’s the way it works out! You can’t compare 12-game seasons to 16-game seasons.”
Despite the lighthearted jab, Strahan praised Garrett’s dominance and longevity.
“This young man is amazing,” Strahan said. “I know he’s got a lot of sacks left, and he’s only 30. I think I had more sacks after 30 — as did Bruce Smith and Reggie White. I think he’s just getting going.”
Garrett’s historic afternoon not only punctuated another strong Browns season but also cemented his standing among the greatest defensive players of his generation.