CLEVELAND — Myles Garrett's day started like any other game day until it quickly transformed from excitement to panic on Sunday when the Cleveland Browns defensive end faced what could have been a grave injury during their contest against the Kansas City Chiefs. With 4:46 remaining in the second quarter, Garrett made his way aggressively toward the Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes, driven by the quest for his 100th career sack, when he took an inadvertent poke to the left eye from Chief's left tackle Joe Thuney.
The moment was chilling. Garrett immediately ripped off his helmet, hurled it to the ground, and dropped to his knees, writhing on the turf. His teammates, including defensive end Ogbo Okoronkwo, expressed immense concern. “I was really scared when I saw him on the ground,” Okoronkwo recalled. “I think it would’ve been one of the worst football stories ever getting hurt before he got to 100 (sacks).”
Defensive coordinator Kevin Stefanski rushed to the field, and initially acknowledged the severity of Garrett's condition, stating, “I wasn’t sure exactly what it was... so getting out there pretty quickly, they told me it was the eye, and thank God he’s okay.”
Despite the alarming scene, Garrett proved to be tougher than anticipated. After leaving the field, he was evaluated but returned to action with just minutes left before halftime. Displaying his indomitable spirit, Garrett asserted, “I’m a fighter. Fighters fight. My brothers are out there, they're doing the same thing and if I can go out there and make any kind of difference, I'm going to be out there with them every single time.”
The injury raised several questions, especially considering Garrett had removed his protective visor just moments before the incident due to the rain. “I think it was literally the first play I took my visor off,” Garrett said. The circumstances and poor visibility instantly turned dire, leading to acute chaos on the field.
Thuney’s unintentional poke had left Garrett shaken, and the effects lingered, as he experienced double vision when he looked left or right but held clarity when facing forward. Nevertheless, he clinically adjusted his alignment during the game, stating, “The plan was to go a little bit more inside and left side, but I couldn't see... So I had to stay on the right side.”
Garrett's return came as relief for the entire Browns organization, desperate for any sign of hope following their 3-10 record. The absence of their defensive titan surely was not what they needed against the high-flying Chiefs, who capitalized on the opportunity to score early and establish dominance. Garrett's influence on the field is undeniable as he led with pressure and defensive plays, collecting three quarterback hits throughout the match.
Reflecting on the situation, he quickly downplayed thoughts of potential long-term damage, assuring fans, “I’m going to the doctor tomorrow, see if there's anything else we didn't see initially. But I'm at the moment just in pain.” His condition seemed to improve as he managed to push through the discomfort, finishing the game with resolve.
Thuney also showed sportsmanship post-incident, approaching Garrett as he exited the field to exchange apologies. Garrett remarked, “I don't think Thuney’s a dirty player by any means... He’s good at what he does, whether it’s at guard or tackle, and it was a good battle.”
Despite not registering the milestone sack, Garrett's efforts commanded respect and admiration, as he commended Thuney for his capabilities: “He has faith as a pass protector on anyone on the line... I mean, he’s good at what he does.” His vows to keep fighting, paired with accolades from teammates, reinforced Garrett's standing as not just a player, but a leader within his team.
Now, the focus shifts to the upcoming games. Garrett's injury raised concerns for fans, whose relief turned to hope as it appears his injury is less severe than once feared. The team anticipates his swift recovery, with Garrett himself remaining optimistic about his opportunity to reach the iconic milestone of 100 career sacks, stating, “Next week will be another chance at it.”
While the Browns struggled to secure victories, Garrett’s determination to be part of the solution reflects the heart and grit often missing from the team. His commitment speaks volumes about his passion for the game and his desire to excel, even through adversity.
Football fans can expect to see more of Garrett and his fire next week as he returns to action, drawing one step closer to solidifying his legacy among the greats.
