Myles Garrett’s Cleveland stints praised on field but strained in locker room

Defensive end Myles Garrett, a two‑time Defensive Player of the Year and Hall‑of‑Fame‑caliber pass rusher, was a dominant force for the Cleveland Browns, recording 125.5 sacks and leading the league with 23 sacks in 2025. Despite his on‑field achievements, insider Mary Kay Cabot told the "Orange and Brown Talk" podcast that Garrett was respected but not genuinely loved by teammates, noting his “pretentious” demeanor and earlier trade‑request talks during a Super Bowl run eroded personal bonds.

Fans echoed the sentiment, labeling Garrett a “worst leader in sports” and accusing him of prioritising personal accolades over team cohesion. The criticism grew after the Browns traded him to the Los Angeles Rams in June, a deal that included future draft picks and a contract restructure that increased his compensation for the upcoming season. Browns GM Andrew Berry admitted the trade was unexpected, confirming Garrett’s foundational role but also acknowledging the off‑field dynamics.

The combined reports highlight a contrast between Garrett’s elite performance and the perceived lack of locker‑room connection, shaping the narrative around his departure from Cleveland.