DE Myles Garrett (8.20.25)
Well, Myles, we have not talked to you since your last speeding incident. What is it like to be in that car and seeing that speedometer creep up toward 100 miles an hour?
“I’d honestly rather talk about football on this team than anything I’m doing off field, other than the back-to-school event that I did the other day.”
But still, I mean, people want to know about that.
“People want to know a lot of things, but I try to keep my personal life, personal. I’d rather focus on this team when I can.”
So, you’re not willing to say if you learned anything from that incident or vowed not to do it again or anything like that or any difference?
“I’d rather talk about something that’s more focused on this team, what we’re doing, what we’re trying to accomplish.”
How’s this camp been different for you?
“Giving me more of a — I want to say leeway, but giving me more of a platform, I should say, to lead where I can. You know, I feel like there were some spaces where they were a bit hesitant to allow me to take over, and not just on the field and with my play, but with some different things that we’re doing. Yeah, conversations, what we’re doing throughout the day, just how the flow of the day goes. You know, just trying to be involved and try to get what’s best for the guys and be as efficient as we can throughout the day.”
Are you expecting to play Saturday? And then also, too, just your thoughts on how this camp, preseason, have gone for you to get you ready for the upcoming season?
“I’m definitely ready to play. My number’s called, and I’m definitely suited up and ready to go. Fortunately, got the pleasure of going against Lane (Johnson) and Jordan (Mailata). Those guys are tremendous at what they do, and it’s always fun going over there. They receive us well, and it’s always great work going against them, the two of the best at their craft.”
I’m sorry, but this is important, so you talk about being a leader. So, what kind of leadership does that show when you get pulled over by the cops?
“Again, you’re asking the same question, and I’m answering it two different times. So, I’m gonna need you to ask a different question so I can focus on this team and not this headline you’re trying to get out of this question you’re asking.”
Myles, do you feel like you’re having an impact in the way that you’re going about your leadership role in a different way this camp?
“I do. I’ve heard that from multiple accounts with us from players and coaches about the bit of a style change I’ve had this year and being a bit more minute with the attention I give and details that I bring, making sure the guys are bringing that same detail to the game. You know with everybody being on the same page.”
Was this self-driven or were you urged to be this way by anybody or encouraged?
“No, just self-driven. This is, it’s going to go as far as I want it to go and we’re only as strong as the weakest link. And I feel like, you know, I’ve got to continue to improve and find a way to elevate my teammates, not just myself.”
You’ve been complimentary to Joe (Flacco) since 2023 and since he came back, what was your reaction? Maybe it was expectation that he be named the starter. And what do you think he can do for you guys?
“Man, I think, you know, anyone who’s doing it over 35 is special. You know, they always tell you to watch out for an old man in a career where young people dominate and old people die young. So, he, having the knowledge that he does, wisdom that he does, being able to bring that to his room and sharing that with them, you know, helps them, but it always helps us, you know, them always being on the same page, ready. But he’s the guy who’s able to see it the best right now. We’re ready to rock with him because he has that game experience and he’s shown that composure for years now. We’re glad to have him come on our side.”
Do you see signs of the defense getting back to ’23?
“I think so. I think there were no lapses. Absent focus, absent discipline. You know what, we need to be sharper with those in here or on the field. I think that it kind of leaks out how you are every day is how you are when you need to be that person. So, I think how we’ve tightened up the ship and we’ve sharpened everything. I think we’ll continue to get better, and we’ll show not only glimpses, but that were and are that 2023 team.”
You said you learned from other people, how would you describe your change in leadership style?
“Like I said, just more focus, you know, more willing to be more vocal. And a lot of guys know me as relaxing. I’m always willing to help, mentor or give advice. But also, just being the biggest critic as well. As well as you did it, you know, we can always do it better, I think that way for myself and I critique myself very thoroughly and just showing the guys how I think and how I try to improve and try to instill that upon them.”
What do you think it’ll take? The defensive line looks so dominant here in camp, in the preseason. What’s it going to take for you guys to bring that now to the regular season?
“I think the only thing that will stop us is us. As long as we run the calls that (Jim) Schwartz gets out there, we’re all on the same page. I think the sky’s the limit. We just got to continue to be disciplined in our technique and what we’re called to do during that certain play and I’m happy with the progress that we’ve made and what we can do.”
It seems like when we talk to Jim (Schwartz) or Jacques (Cesaire), they’re always talking about holding you to that next level in terms of your production on the field. I guess as the years have gone on with them. How do you feel about that standard they kind of set for you production-wise?
“I absolutely love it, I love that they know that there’s more out there for me and no, they wouldn’t say it if it wasn’t true. And I’ve thought this the same thing. And it’s about make having a plan and executing it, that can beat these ships, beat these doubles and find a way to get just a few more one-on-ones and continue to increase my production.”
What was it like last week? I know you and Jordan (Mailata) are friends, but to kind of see his reaction after going against you two days of practice and he got asked like, “How do you stop him?” He’s like, “I still don’t know. Like when I figure it out, I’ll tell you.” So, what’s that kind of like to go up against, you know, second team, All-Pro guy?
“I mean, it’s a hell of an honor. You know, he’s special. You know, he’s big, he’s strong, he’s very athletic and you know, it’s really a iron sharpens iron situation when we go against each other with how talented he is at the position. I’m glad to be able to go against him this early to see how I’m feeling, how I’m recovering and also, you know, just working my technique, working my craft and you know, he was very happy to do the same.”
How did you feel like you came out of that? Because you look like you lined up a little bit on the left side also against Lane (Johnson) a little bit also. I mean, what did you, how much did you feel like you really got? I mean, what was sort of your assessment of those two days for you and the defense as a whole?
“Lots of learning. You know, just going through my mindset, you know, before the play, just analyzing the field and what’s going on. You know, a team like that, are they going to try to slow you down and play with your eyes? And fortunately, they left a lot of one-on-ones and I know during the season there will probably be different situations with trippers of all different kinds but just going through that mental checklist so that I don’t have anything, you know, when I snap the ball, I don’t have to think. I don’t have to worry about anything, I’m just going. I think that kind of focus right before the ball was snapped really helped me, especially against, you know, those guys.”
Hey, Myles, how scary is it to see Denzel (Ward) leave yesterday? Just how important is he to doing what you guys are trying to do on that side of the ball?
“I mean, he’s as important as it gets. Rush and coverage, work together, and that’s my brother out there. I can’t do what I do without him and vice versa. So, I’m glad to see him come back in the building and doing well, but we just have to be careful and take care of ourselves and pick our brothers up when we can.”
You get asked all the time about the 2023 defense, what about 2023 (Joe) Flacco. You guys won four games in December with him. Do you think he still has that?
“I do. I think he does too, and that’s more important than anything. So, you know, he’s excited to go out there and show it. You know, he’s cool as can be and he’s ready for the moment.”
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