Browns Rumors: Myles Garrett's Evolution as Leader Praised After Past Criticism

Cleveland Browns superstar defensive end Myles Garrett is reportedly viewed as a burgeoning leader within the Browns organization after falling short in that regard earlier in his career.

According to ESPN's Jake Trotter, multiple sources familiar with the situation said Garrett used to be late to team meetings and even completely skipped them at times, which didn't sit well with former veteran teammates such as Jadeveon Clowney and Malik Jackson.

However, those sources have indicated that Garrett has done a 180-degree turn over the past couple of years, as he no longer shows up late and is "holding others accountable and trying to enhance team chemistry."

Per Trotter, that includes setting up weekly dinners for the defensive linemen, which has helped with the overall camaraderie.

Trotter noted that Jackson, who played for the Browns in 2021, laid down a challenge for Garrett during an appearance on NFL Network's Good Morning Football in July, saying:

"I don't think his leadership skills were the best. He needs to take that bull by the horns and just lead more by example as far as in the classroom because we all know what he can do on the field. But to be able to go in the classroom, command that respect, and tell guys what to do is really where I think he really needs to take that jump. ... [But] some guys just don't have it."

In a season that has seen the Browns start five different quarterbacks, Garrett and the defense have been the driving force behind the team's success.

Garrett finished the regular season with 42 tackles, 14 sacks and four forced fumbles, giving the 2017 No. 1 overall draft pick his sixth consecutive season with double-digit sacks.

He was also chosen as a Pro Bowler for the fifth time and a first-team All-Pro for the third time, and he is among the top candidates for NFL Defensive Player of the Year honors.

With Garrett leading the way, the Browns led the NFL in total defense and they were sixth in the NFL with 49 team sacks.

Cleveland went 11-6 and earned a wild-card spot, marking its first playoff appearance since 2020 and only its second since the end of the 2002 season.

Garrett will lead the Browns into Houston on Saturday afternoon for a road playoff game against the AFC South champion Houston Texans.