Myles Garrett Sack Record Chase Sparks Friendly Banter With 49ers

Cleveland Browns star Myles Garrett inched closer to NFL history last Sunday. He recorded one sack against the San Francisco 49ers, bringing his season total to 19. The game featured unexpected on-field camaraderie between rivals.

Despite the competitive battle, Garrett shared lighthearted moments with 49ers players. This interaction highlights the respect among elite competitors even during a fierce contest.

Kittle Jokes About Containing the Defensive Force

Garrett entered the game on a historic tear. He had 13 sacks in his previous four games, setting a franchise record.

The 49ers focused their game plan on limiting his impact. Tight end George Kittle was often tasked with chipping Garrett at the line of scrimmage to help his offensive tackle. Mic’d up audio captured a friendly exchange between the two All-Pros.

Kittle joked about Garrett’s recent five-sack performance. He asked Garrett not to break the single-season sack record against them that day. Garrett playfully negotiated for an extra sack opportunity.

Garrett’s Path to Breaking a 23-Year-Old Record

With his sack of Brock Purdy, Garrett now has 19 for the season. He is just four sacks away from breaking Michael Strahan’s official record of 22.5 set in 2001.

The unofficial record is 23 sacks by Al “Bubba” Baker in 1978. Garrett has five regular-season games remaining to make his run at history. The Browns face the Titans, Bears, Bills, Steelers, and Bengals to close the year.

Respect continued after the final whistle. 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy told Garrett it was an honor to play against him. This sportsmanship underscores the magnitude of Garrett’s dominant season.

Myles Garrett is squarely in the hunt for the NFL’s single-season sack record. His performance has drawn admiration from opponents and fans alike, setting up a thrilling final stretch of the season.

Info at your fingertips

What is the official NFL single-season sack record?

The official record is 22.5 sacks. It was set by New York Giants defensive end Michael Strahan during the 2001 season. The NFL did not officially recognize sacks as a stat until 1982.

Who holds the unofficial sack record?

Defensive end Al “Bubba” Baker recorded 23 sacks for the Detroit Lions in 1978. This is considered the unofficial record because the league did not keep the statistic officially at that time.

How many sacks does Myles Garrett need to break the record?

Garrett needs four sacks to break Strahan’s official record. He needs 4.5 more to surpass Baker’s unofficial mark of 23. He currently has 19 sacks with five games left.

What did George Kittle say to Myles Garrett during the game?

Kittle told Garrett, “Please don’t break the record today.” He jokingly added he would tell quarterback Brock Purdy to “give you one” sack. The exchange was captured on NFL Films audio.

Which teams do the Browns play to finish the season?

Cleveland’s remaining schedule includes the Tennessee Titans, Chicago Bears, Buffalo Bills, Pittsburgh Steelers, and Cincinnati Bengals. These five games are Garrett’s final chances to chase the record.