We are ranking the top 10 All-Time Best NFL Defensive Players from Texas HS Football. The list is based only on the players’ NFL careers, not their high school careers.
Myles Garrett is our 10th-ranked player and one of two active players on our list. While we prioritize Hall of Fame players, Myles Garrett is well on his way to the Hall of Fame. With being first team all-pro 4 times and the 2023 NFL Defensive Player of the Year, Garrett deserves a spot on the list and will likely climb higher in this list in the upcoming years.
Early Life and High School Career
Myles Garrett was born on December 29, 1995, in Arlington, Texas. He attended Martin High School, where he quickly established himself as a standout athlete in both football and track and field. On the football field, Garrett played as a defensive end and tight end, showcasing his versatility and athleticism. His senior year was particularly impressive, as he recorded 81 tackles and 19.5 sacks, earning him the title of 2013 MaxPreps All-American.
College Career at Texas A&M
Following his successful high school tenure, Garrett committed to Texas A&M University. As a freshman in 2014, he made an immediate impact, setting a school record with 11.5 sacks. Over his three-year college career, he amassed 31 sacks and 47 tackles for loss, solidifying his reputation as one of the nation’s top defensive prospects. His performance earned him unanimous All-American honors in 2016.
NFL Career with the Cleveland Browns
In 2017, Myles Garrett entered the NFL Draft and was selected first overall by the Cleveland Browns. He made an immediate impact, recording seven sacks in just 11 games during his rookie season. Over the next several years, Garrett established himself as a dominant force on the defensive line. By the end of the 2024 season, he had accumulated 102.5 career sacks, becoming the franchise’s all-time leader in this category. reuters.com
Throughout his tenure with the Browns, Garrett’s consistent performance earned him multiple accolades. He was selected to six Pro Bowls (2018, 2020–2024) and received four first-team All-Pro honors (2020, 2021, 2023, 2024). In 2023, his exceptional play was recognized with the NFL Defensive Player of the Year award. Additionally, Garrett led the league in tackles for loss in 2024, recording 22 such plays
Personal Interests and Off-Field Activities
Off the field, Garrett is known for his diverse interests, including poetry and paleontology. He has been involved in various community service initiatives in Cleveland, demonstrating a commitment to giving back to the community.
Continued Excellence and Future Prospects
As of the 2021 season, Garrett continues to be a dominant force on the defensive line for the Browns. His combination of size, speed, and technique makes him a challenging matchup for any offensive lineman. Fans and analysts alike anticipate that he will continue to build on his impressive career in the coming years. The question is, will it be with the Cleveland Browns? Garrett has expressed a desire to be traded to a winning team, but as of the time of this article, the Browns are not willing to trade him.
