Defensive end Myles Garrett of Arlington, Texas won multiple awards at the 2026 ESPY Awards on Wednesday evening in New York City. He won the awards for the best National Football League player and best record breaking performance. Meanwhile, a second football player was honoured on Wednesday, as San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey of Castle Rock, Colorado received the honour for best comeback athlete.
Garrett was recognized for breaking the NFL record for most sacks in a season with 23 while with the Cleveland Browns. He broke the previous record of 22.5 sacks. That was initially set by New York Giants defensive end Michael Strahan of Houston, Texas during the 2001 NFL season, and then matched by Pittsburgh Steelers outside linebacker T.J. Watt of Pewaukee, Wisconsin during the 2021 NFL season.
Garrett was the NFL’s Defensive Player of the Year in 2025. He also led the NFL with 33 tackles for a loss. Garrett had 60 combined tackles (43 solo tackles and 17 assisted tackles), 39 quarterback hits, one pass deflection and three forced fumbles. In the offseason, Garrett was traded from the Browns to the Los Angeles Rams.
McCaffrey suffered multiple injuries in 2024 (Achilles tendonitis and another ailment to his posterior cruciate ligament), which prevented him from missing 13 games with the 49ers. In 2025, McCaffrey bounced back, as he had 1202 yards rushing, 10 rushing touchdowns, 924 yards receiving and seven touchdown catches. He was also selected to the Pro Bowl for the fourth time in his career.
