Myles Garrett grew up in Texas where faith, family, and football are deeply connected, and he had a great admiration for the Dallas Cowboys.
As a kid in Arlington, he watched the Cowboys play on TV every Sunday and Thanksgiving, developing a strong love for the team But this Sunday, Garrett won’t be showing them any affection.
After a standout season that earned him the AP Defensive Player of the Year award for the first time, Garrett will start this season by facing his childhood heroes when the Browns play against the Cowboys at home.
For Garrett, this game has extra meaning.
“Just a little bit,” the star defensive end said. “It’s always special going against your home team, definitely going to have some family up there — some wearing blue, some wearing brown. But that kind of stuff, man, it’s amazing.”
This will be Garrett’s second game against the Cowboys. In their 49-38 win at Dallas in 2020, he had two sacks.
Since then, Garrett has become one of the most dominant players in the NFL, capable of changing a game just by being on the field.
Browns second-year defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz said that only two players he has coached — Hall of Fame linebacker Ray Lewis and wide receiver Calvin Johnson — were as impactful as Garrett in shaping a game.
“In my mind, the definition of a great player is when the opponent’s No. 1 job is to try to take them out of the game plan and they still have success,” Schwartz said. “You know, every single opponent we have, they start their game plan with, ‘How do we account for 95?’”
Garrett raised his game to new heights in 2023.
Myles Garrett had an impressive season with 14 sacks, marking his third consecutive year with that many. He played a key role in making Cleveland’s defense the top in the league and helped the Browns reach the playoffs for the second time in four years after an 18-year wait.
Garrett didn’t share if he focused on any specific skills during the offseason and simply said “we’ll have to see” when asked if he plans to use the crossover basketball move he tried out last season.
Garrett might have a strong performance since the Cowboys will start rookie Tyler Guyton at left tackle. However, Guyton has had the chance to practice against Dallas star pass rusher Micah Parsons this summer, so Garrett is aware of Guyton’s skills and is not underestimating him.
“It’s a new challenge,” Garrett said. “Just as the league is new to him, he’s new to us. We’ve got to prepare for what he brings to the game and the uniqueness that he provides. He’s been able to go against a really good pass rusher over there in Dallas.
“So he’s going to be prepared, but I offer a different flavor.”
Parsons, who also had 14 sacks last season, will be a tough opponent for Cleveland’s offense as well, and the Browns are still figuring out their left tackle situation due to injuries. Garrett and Parsons have developed mutual respect and friendly rivalry.
Earlier this week, Parsons mentioned he might have to match Garrett’s performance this week, comparing sack counts and efforts. While he’s not focused on overtaking Garrett as the top defensive player, he recognizes the standing among the league’s top rushers.
“We kinda both know where we are,” Parsons said. Garrett was excited by the idea of Parsons challenging him for his top spot.
“I hope he wants to win,” Garrett said. “He’s an incredible competitor. He’s a fantastic athlete and a strong supporter of the game, so I appreciate his confidence and drive for greatness.
I wouldn’t expect him to say anything different. Let’s see if we can go head-to-head and find out what happens.”
Garrett feels honored to play against the Cowboys, a team that has been a big part of his life. He fondly remembers watching them with his parents.
“That’s what makes it special,” he said. “Being able to share that experience with them, knowing that we’ve built these memories and now they’ve grown into this. Those are the moments I truly value.
“I’d also value making some great plays on Sunday.”
