Aaron Rodgers recently announced that this upcoming NFL season is likely his last, leaving only 17 games for him to solidify his place in the Hall of Fame. With Rodgers now playing in the AFC North, the spotlight turns to Myles Garrett, who is eager to make the most of the opportunity to sack Rodgers and add to his own legacy.
Myles Garrett Eyes Rodgers as a Prime Target
After Rodgers joined the Pittsburgh Steelers, Garrett expressed enthusiasm about facing the veteran quarterback. He sees it as
“a good opportunity to put him in the graveyard,”
referencing his tradition of displaying Halloween headstones for quarterbacks he has sacked. Garrett has encountered Rodgers once before on Christmas Day in 2021, and they are set to meet twice more during the 2025 season, in Weeks 6 and 17.
Aaron Donald Offers Crucial Advice to Garrett
Three-time Defensive Player of the Year Aaron Donald, who has successfully sacked Rodgers twice in his career, shared insights on how Garrett can capitalize on this matchup. Speaking with Sports Illustrated, Donald emphasized the importance of winning individual battles and controlling Rodgers’ ability to release the ball quickly.
Win your one-on-ones and get to him. Don’t let him get the ball out too fast. You know, he’s an older guy, but he can move. [He’s] a little shifty. When you get to him… just get him down to the ground before he can get the ball out.
—Aaron Donald
Garrett’s Potential to Challenge Sack Records
Known for his pass-rushing skill, Garrett’s career-best seasons include 16.0 sacks in both 2021 and 2022. With Rodgers in his sights, Garrett has the chance to surpass this mark and approach Michael Strahan’s single-season sack record of 22.5. As the Cleveland Browns rebuild around Garrett’s dominant defensive presence, his pursuit of this record could become the highlight of their 2025 campaign, which begins against the Cincinnati Bengals on September 7.
Implications for the Upcoming Season
The clash between Myles Garrett and Aaron Rodgers carries substantial weight, not only for the players’ individual legacies but also for divisional dynamics in the AFC North. Garrett’s challenge to sack Rodgers more frequently could disrupt Pittsburgh’s offense and energize Cleveland’s defense. Meanwhile, Rodgers faces the pressure of performing at a high level in what may be his final season, with intense pass rushers waiting to make their mark.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. How long is Myles Garrett’s suspension?
A. Cleveland Browns player Myles Garrett has returned to the NFL. He was suspended for six games for hitting Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Mason Rudolph with a helmet.
Q. What happened to Myles Garrett’s eye?
A. It seems Thuney accidentally scratched Garrett’s face, possibly near his eye. Garrett quickly removed his helmet and lay face down on the field. Mahomes signaled for help from the sideline staff. Garrett stood up and headed to the locker room right away for more examination.
Q. How long was Myles Garrett suspended?
A. Garrett said sorry for what he did, calling it “foolish” and “not like him.” He also thanked the teammates who supported him. The following day, the NFL banned Garrett indefinitely, at least for the rest of the 2019 season.
Q. How long was Myles Garrett’s suspension?
A. The following day, the NFL suspended Garrett with no set end date, ensuring he missed at least the rest of the 2019 season. Garrett received a fine of $45,623, while Rudolph was fined $50,000. Additionally, 33 players were fined $3,000 each for entering the area of the brawl, and both the Browns and Steelers were fined $250,000 each.