DE Myles Garrett (9.19.25)
Myles (Garrett), what is it about Micah’s (Parsons) game? I know it’s not you versus him in this game necessarily, but what is it about his game that you appreciate the most? What is it that really kind of separates him?
“Everything. The kid’s special, man. I got to see it in person this off season. But, I mean, watch film. He’s a guy in the league that change directions, the explosion on the balls, get off, his suddenness. I mean, he’s a little bit shorter as a rusher, and that gives him the leverage angles that some guys just don’t have naturally, and he’s able to use that to his advantage. And he’s just ferocious and relentless when he’s out there. He’s a fun rusher to watch. If you’re up and coming, you want to learn how to rush, as a high schooler, college player, he’s one of the guys you have to watch.”
You guys, working out together in the off season. How did it come together with you guys working out in the off season?
“It’s something that we’ve been talking about doing, I think the year before, and it didn’t happen for whatever reason. I’m from around that area. Obviously, he was there at the time, so it was just natural that we get in the gym together.”
How did you guys really kind of start connecting and get to know each other, and what do you like about him so much as a person? It seems like you guys are pretty close.
“We see each other around at different events, or Pro bowl, and there was a common respect and appreciation for one another’s game, and grew into what it is now.”
Who’s the better player?
“Who’s the better player? It’s about who’s better in the season.”
Do you think you guys are the two best pass rushers in the world?
“I think we’re two of the very best. I think we’re two of the very best in this generation, so just got to continue to lead the way. There are definitely some other names in that conversation, but I think saying that he’s in it and that I’m in it is not out of the norm.”
Did he rely on you some for advice when he was going through his situation with the (Dallas) Cowboys, just in terms of maybe how to handle it or what to say or anything like that?
“We talked about it some. We’d had conversations. I wouldn’t say he was constantly asking for advice. He’s wise enough at his young age, and he’s got all kinds of people around him to help guide him through his decision making, and he knows business pretty well by himself. But, whenever he wanted my ear or some words, advice, I don’t have a problem letting him know either.”
I know we’ve asked you about the trade and stuff before, but what went through your mind when that news broke with him?
“Holy shit, he did it. I think that was the same thing that went through most group of months and the 47. Now I remember him talking about, were sitting in the sauna during the offseason. He’s like, if I get a deal, I’m going to beat the blank out of your deal. And he went out there and got it. So, that was part of the, I guess the humorous part of the deal, and then him texting me, talking about did I do right? I’m like it’s perfect. So, I’m glad to see that I get what he’s earned and he’s worth every dollar. He’s shown that him and that defense have been on it too.”
Did you rib him a little bit after he got the 47 or did you guys have some funny exchange. Did you say something to him about getting $7 million more than you got a year?
“Oh, I mean, not really, no. He had already told me he was going to go do it and he’s a lot younger than me, so I guess that has something to do with that. I’m proud. I’m glad he went out there and got the deal he earned.”
Myles, with you guys, number one ranked overall defense right now and you have the three and a half sacks but obviously no wins to show for it yet. I guess like what needs to change? What more do you feel like you guys on the defense can do or yourself can do?
“Gotta get the ball out. I’m making plays on the quarterback, making his TFL. We got to get the ball out with it. I think that’s been the big thing difference, were -3 in the turnover margin. And that’s not winning football, and that’s the difference and we just have to make the opponent emphasis and take that to the game.”
When you’re out there, do you feel that pressure, Myles to either, you know, get a strip sack rather than just a sack or bat up a ball to force one of those interceptions, take aways that you guys are looking for.
“I don’t feel any pressure when I’m out there. It’s just a matter of in that moment having that thought running through my head and trying to find a way to do it. I mean these guys are very talented at securing the ball and keeping it away from us. So just have to be picking those spots, picking your moments and allowing it to always be on my mind to make sure we make those plays and know keeping it on everyone’s mind so you know when we get those opportunities we make the most out of them.”
Every week, every team in the league faces injuries. This week notable for you guys, questionable Joel Bitonio, Andre Szmyt now popping up on that list. As a team, how in the meeting rooms of practice do you guys feel like you’ve emphasized the importance of that next man up mentality? We hear it all the time but like, what’s that look like for this team?
“I’m challenging the man in the next position or the younger guy in the position if he’s the one sitting behind the starter, making sure that he knows exactly what he’s doing, challenging his knowledge and his effort, his execution and making sure that he’s getting the very best out of us, whether it’s looks or our advice, our guidance. And when we’re talking and communicating, it’s the same way as if you were the one who started from game one. So making sure that it’s seamless by allowing him to feel the intensity that he would if he were picked as the first guy originally. And that’s sometimes how it goes.”
Myles, we’ve watched you dominate for years. I know this is a small sample size, only a couple games, but it seems like you’re kind of going to another level. Is this as well as you’ve ever played?
“Sample size too small. But I will say probably by the end of the season, I will say that. But right now there’s a couple of stretches I can remember that were better than this.”
This is one of those weeks where, you know you’ll have a nice challenge to come out as the best player on the field. Is that one of your goals this weekend is to come out of here as the best player on the field?
“I mean, that’s my brother on the other side of the field. But it doesn’t matter who it is or what the relationship is. That’s who I want to be. That’s what I want to be. Anytime I step on the field regardless of the team or the person on the other side. And I know that’s his aspiration as well.”
Have you guys, you know, are you staying away from each other this week or have you texted each other at all and said, “Hey, I’m going to be the best guy,” or have you had any kind of an exchange?
“He texted me, said, “Can you get two tickets for my family?” I said, “I got you.”
Myles, you used the word embarrassing last week. Jim Schwartz said the second half was embarrassing for the defense. Do you feel like in the last few days you’ve seen the necessary work to do ready for Sunday?
“I did. I’ve seen a lot of intensity on getting it right, whether it’s redoing it, communicating, over communicating. I’ve liked the amount of emphasis that’s being placed on getting it right now. And I think it’s what we need, 0-2, but there’s plenty of games left, plenty of season left. There’s no reason to hit the panic button at this moment. Gotta continue to stay the course, but realize what you have to adjust, look in the mirror and, you know, we take on this team and do what we know we can do.”
Whether it’s Jordan Love, looking to throw deep a lot like he does, or even the injuries they’ve had on the offensive line, do you feel like there’s opportunities there for you and the rest of this D-line to go get the quarterback?
“I mean, there are always opportunities to get the quarterback regardless of whatever team we face. It’s just a matter of, you know, putting them in situations in which they have to hold the ball. He wants to throw the ball deep, but know they do certain protections to allow for that. Tipping the edges, variety of ways, you know, trying to kind of put the ball up. Instead of letting him get downfield, let him run underneath it. It helps get him out a little bit quicker. So making it where he has to let the ball, feel like he has to make a play and taking the running game out of it and that’ll be difficult enough for (Josh) Jacobs back there.
# # #
***Visit the Browns Media Center for materials provided by the Browns communications department, including media schedules, press releases, quotes, photos, media guides, rosters, depth charts and more.***