The race for the NFL’s most dominant defensive honor is always one of the most debated storylines of the season. In 2025, the competition for Defensive Player of the Year was fiercer than ever, with elite pass rushers, lockdown cornerbacks, and disruptive linebackers all making strong cases. By the end of the season, however, one name stood above the rest, combining statistical dominance with game-changing impact.
TLDR: The 2025 NFL Defensive Player of the Year was awarded to Myles Garrett after a spectacular season leading the league in sacks and consistently disrupting opposing offenses. Garrett anchored a top-ranked Cleveland Browns defense and delivered multiple game-sealing plays throughout the year. His blend of power, speed, and technique made him nearly impossible to block. The award further solidified his place among the NFL’s all-time defensive greats.
A Season to Remember
Myles Garrett’s 2025 campaign was nothing short of extraordinary. From Week 1 to the final snap of the regular season, he was the focal point of every offensive game plan—and still, teams struggled to contain him. Garrett finished the year with:
- 19.5 sacks
- 27 tackles for loss
- 38 quarterback hits
- 5 forced fumbles
- 2 defensive touchdowns
While raw statistics are impressive, they only tell part of the story. Garrett’s pressure rate was among the highest recorded in the past decade. Quarterbacks facing the Browns consistently hurried throws, shifted protections, or rolled out of the pocket just to avoid his relentless pursuit.
More importantly, his impact translated into wins. Cleveland fielded one of the top defensive units in the league, ranking near the top in points allowed, total defense, and third-down efficiency.
How the Voting Unfolded
The Defensive Player of the Year award is voted on by a panel of media members and analysts. In 2025, the voting was competitive, with multiple finalists receiving first-place votes. However, Garrett secured a clear majority due to:
- Consistency – He recorded at least half a sack in 13 games.
- Clutch Factor – Several of his sacks came in critical fourth-quarter moments.
- Team Success – The Browns clinched a playoff berth, bolstered by a top-tier defense.
- Advanced Metrics – He led all edge rushers in win rate and double-team rate.
Other finalists included standout defenders such as Micah Parsons and T.J. Watt, both of whom posted elite numbers. Yet voters ultimately leaned toward Garrett’s complete body of work. His performance wasn’t just dominant—it felt inevitable.
The Signature Performances
Every Defensive Player of the Year campaign has defining moments. For Garrett, a few games stood out as milestones in his 2025 season.
Week 4 vs. Baltimore: Garrett recorded 3 sacks and forced a fumble that sealed the victory in a divisional showdown.
Week 9 vs. Pittsburgh: He delivered 2.5 sacks and a strip-sack touchdown, energizing the stadium and swinging the momentum early.
Week 16 vs. Cincinnati: With playoff implications on the line, Garrett posted 4 tackles for loss and constant pressure, helping clinch a postseason spot.
These high-profile matchups against division rivals showcased his ability to perform against strong offensive lines. It wasn’t just about beating average teams—he consistently rose to the toughest challenges.
What Made Him So Effective?
Myles Garrett’s dominance stems from a rare combination of physical gifts and technical mastery. Standing 6-foot-4 and weighing around 270 pounds, he pairs elite size with remarkable speed. But raw athleticism alone doesn’t guarantee success.
Several elements elevated his 2025 campaign:
- Advanced Hand Technique – Garrett improved his ability to disengage from blocks quickly.
- Expanded Pass-Rush Moves – He utilized spins, swims, bull rushes, and cross-chops to keep offensive tackles guessing.
- Conditioning – Late in games, while opponents fatigued, Garrett maintained explosive bursts.
- Study and Preparation – Film analysis allowed him to anticipate snap counts and blocking schemes.
Offensive coordinators frequently assigned double teams or kept tight ends in to help block him. Even so, Garrett found ways to disrupt plays, forcing hurried decisions and collapsing pockets.
The Broader Defensive Landscape in 2025
The 2025 NFL season saw a resurgence of defensive excellence across the league. Scoring was competitive, but several defenses reasserted control. Edge rushers continued to shape games, emphasizing how critical quarterback pressure has become in modern football.
Some notable defensive standouts included:
- Micah Parsons (Dallas Cowboys) – Versatile and explosive, contributing across multiple positions.
- T.J. Watt (Pittsburgh Steelers) – Consistent sack production and leadership.
- Nick Bosa (San Francisco 49ers) – Anchoring a relentless defensive front.
- Patrick Surtain II (Denver Broncos) – Lockdown coverage against elite receivers.
Despite the high level of competition, Garrett’s statistical output and consistent highlight moments kept him slightly ahead. In a league filled with talent, separating yourself requires something extraordinary—and that’s exactly what he delivered.
Historical Context
Winning Defensive Player of the Year places a player in elite company. Past recipients include legends such as:
- Lawrence Taylor
- Aaron Donald
- J.J. Watt
- Ray Lewis
Garrett’s 2025 award marked another milestone in what is shaping up to be a Hall of Fame career. By the age many players are just entering their prime, he had already secured multiple All-Pro selections and cemented his reputation as a generational defender.
What separates multi-time award winners from one-time recipients is sustained brilliance. Garrett’s 2025 season suggested he may continue dominating for years to come.
The Impact on the Browns
The Cleveland Browns benefited enormously from Garrett’s presence. Defensive coordinators can build entire schemes around a player capable of drawing double teams. His ability to collapse one side of the offensive line opened opportunities for teammates to shine.
The ripple effects were clear:
- Improved Secondary Performance – Quarterbacks had less time to exploit coverage gaps.
- Higher Turnover Rate – Pressured throws resulted in more interceptions.
- Stronger Red Zone Defense – Garrett’s explosiveness limited rushing lanes near the goal line.
Leadership also played a role. Though often described as soft-spoken, Garrett’s example on the practice field set the tone for younger defenders. His work ethic and film study habits became part of the team culture.
Reaction Around the League
When the award was announced, the response was overwhelmingly positive. Analysts praised his balanced statistical dominance and situational excellence. Opposing players acknowledged the challenge he presents.
Many offensive tackles described Garrett as one of the most technically demanding matchups in football. One veteran lineman remarked that “there’s no safe set against him—he adjusts faster than you can.”
Social media buzzed with highlights of his best plays: strip-sacks, chase-down tackles, and celebrations with teammates. Fans embraced the win not only as recognition for an individual star, but as validation of Cleveland’s defensive identity.
Looking Ahead
The big question after any award-winning season is whether the player can repeat the performance. For Garrett, the foundation is certainly there. At the peak of his physical abilities and backed by a strong defensive scheme, he appears well-positioned to remain in the conversation.
Defensive Player of the Year campaigns often depend on health and team success. If Cleveland continues to compete at a high level and Garrett maintains his relentless pace, multiple awards are a realistic possibility.
Ultimately, the 2025 Defensive Player of the Year race served as a reminder of how transformative an elite defender can be. While offense often grabs headlines, championship aspirations frequently hinge on players who can shift momentum on a single snap.
Myles Garrett’s 2025 season embodied that principle perfectly. His dominance wasn’t confined to spreadsheets or highlight reels—it was felt in every pocket he collapsed and every game he helped secure. In a year filled with remarkable defensive efforts, he carved out his place at the very top, earning recognition as the NFL’s Defensive Player of the Year for 2025.