LOS ANGELES (AP) — Apart from capturing a Super Bowl championship, Myles Garrett accomplished nearly everything possible for a defensive player during his initial nine NFL campaigns.
Currently part of a Los Angeles Rams squad expected to hoist the Lombardi Trophy this coming February, Garrett is prepared to address the one significant gap in his professional accomplishments.
“Since the very beginning, it’s always been about winning. … And to have an opportunity to do that immediately? That was the opportunity that was too difficult to pass up,” Garrett said at his introductory news conference Tuesday, one day after the blockbuster deal that sent him from Cleveland to Los Angeles.
Garrett had reached the playoffs with the Browns in 2020 and 2023, representing his only two successful seasons in Cleveland following his selection as the top overall pick in 2017. Joining the Rams, the 30-year-old pass rusher has become part of a franchise that has qualified for the postseason in seven of head coach Sean McVay’s nine years leading the team, captured the Super Bowl after the 2021 season, competed in another championship game, and fell just short against Philadelphia and Seattle squads that ultimately claimed titles over the previous two years.
The Rams used the offseason to strengthen their roster for another championship attempt by fixing the defensive weaknesses that hurt them in the 31-27 NFC championship defeat to the Seahawks. They acquired All-Pro cornerback Trent McDuffie through trade, brought in fellow Chiefs defensive back Jaylen Watson via free agency, and completed their upgrades by obtaining a two-time AP Defensive Player of the Year and five-time first-team All-Pro in Garrett.
These additions have Garrett anticipating significant achievements.
“I see a position to solidify myself here as well among the very greats,” he said.
After a campaign where he established the NFL single-season mark with 23 sacks while also recording a personal-best 33 tackles for loss, Garrett thinks the Rams’ framework and resources could enable him to achieve even loftier goals. He becomes part of a defensive unit that already finished among the top 10 in points surrendered and quarterback takedowns, and Garrett anticipates an offensive attack featuring quarterback Matthew Stafford, who earned NFL MVP honors after throwing for 46 touchdowns, will provide him numerous opportunities to seal victories in the final quarter.
Such chances were rare in Cleveland, where Garrett accumulated 125 1/2 sacks across 134 career contests. The Browns posted a 58-90-1 record throughout Garrett’s tenure there.
“I mean, that did play into the decision as well, knowing I have the ability, you know, late game, to pin my ears back, not just because we need a play to be made, but because we have the lead and it’s obvious passing downs, being able to make those game-changing plays to win the game for us, those are things that appealed to me,” Garrett said.
Garrett has already begun adjusting to his new environment, reaching an agreement with nose tackle Poona Ford to obtain the No. 95 jersey.
Garrett is also eager to connect with NBA superstar LeBron James, who has played the last eight seasons with the Los Angeles Lakers, for additional insight about the city. Garrett characterized James as a “positive force in my life,” having gained counsel and guidance from the Akron, Ohio, native and four-time NBA champion throughout the years since joining the Browns.
Garrett possesses some existing knowledge of the area. His girlfriend, Olympic gold medalist snowboarder Chloe Kim, hails from Torrance, California, in Los Angeles County. His father, Lawrence, was born in Los Angeles.
Despite all the early enthusiasm surrounding the trade, Garrett recognizes it will ultimately be evaluated based on how he and the Rams perform during competition.
“Nothing changes for me,” he said. “I don’t feel any pressure to be anything else, be anything different. As long as I’m myself and I come here to work every day and I’m a leader, the success will follow.”
