Myles Garrett won the 2026 ESPY for Best NFL Player, defeating teammate Matthew Stafford, Patrick Mahomes, and others. The award marks the first time a pure edge rusher has claimed the honor in years, reshaping the league’s definition of top talent.
Garrett’s victory exposes a clear hierarchy among NFL edge rushers. ESPN’s survey of executives, coaches, and scouts ranked him No. 1 for 2026. The list included Micah Parsons, Nick Bosa, T.J. Watt, and Aidan Hutchinson. Scouts cited his versatility and clutch performance as separating factors.
Stats back the ranking. Garrett led all edge rushers with 18.5 sacks, 94 pressures, and 6 forced fumbles in 2025. Execs called him the “complete package.” Coaches noted his improved run defense. The gap between Garrett and the field is now both data-driven and narrative-defined.
His trade to the Rams elevated his profile. With a Super Bowl-ready roster and the league’s top defensive mind, Garrett’s production in high-leverage situations jumped. The hierarchy now values “game-wrecking” over “game-managing,” a shift from the QB-centric era.
Stafford’s 2025 season was strong: 4,800 yards, 38 touchdowns. Yet voters saw Garrett as the Rams’ most irreplaceable player. The ESPY win sets a precedent. Expect more defensive players in future award conversations. Scouts predict a new tier of “super rushers” competing for the top spot.
Fan reaction was intense. USA TODAY covered Garrett’s kiss on stage with Chloe Kim. Social media trended #MYLESGARRETT and #BESTPLAYER. The debate over his worth vs. Stafford’s dominated sports talk.
Garrett’s trade value now sits at the league’s highest for a defender. Execs predict a contract extension exceeding $35 million APY. His legacy joins Lawrence Taylor, Reggie White, and Bruce Smith in all-time discussions. The Rams’ era could define the 2020s defensive hierarchy.
| Category | 2025 Stats / Impact |
|---|---|
| Sacks | 18.5 (League leader) |
| Pressures | 94 |
| Forced Fumbles | 6 |
| ESPY Win | Beat Stafford, Mahomes |
| Ranking (ESPN) | No. 1 edge rusher for 2026 |
The NFL’s definition of “best player” has evolved. Garrett is no longer just a pass rusher. He’s the benchmark for excellence. For execs, coaches, and scouts, the 2026 hierarchy is clear. Garrett sits alone at the top.
💡 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Q: What did Myles Garrett win at the 2026 ESPYs?
- A: Myles Garrett won the 2026 ESPY for Best NFL Player, becoming the first pure edge rusher in years to claim the honor, defeating teammates and top quarterbacks.
- Q: How does Myles Garrett’s win redefine the NFL’s best player hierarchy?
- A: Garrett’s victory shifts the focus from QB-centric ‘game-managing’ to ‘game-wrecking’ impact, with stats like 18.5 sacks and 94 pressures in 2025 proving his irreplaceable value.
- Q: Why did Myles Garrett’s trade to the Rams elevate his profile?
- A: Joining a Super Bowl-ready roster with top defensive coaching boosted his production in high-leverage situations, cementing his status as the No. 1 edge rusher per ESPN surveys.
- Q: Who were the other top edge rushers in the 2026 hierarchy?
- A: ESPN’s survey ranked Micah Parsons, Nick Bosa, T.J. Watt, and Aidan Hutchinson behind Garrett, with scouts citing his versatility and clutch performance as key differentiators.
Extended Reading
Yahoo Sports reported the ESPY upset. USA TODAY covered the award ceremony. ESPN’s survey of execs, coaches, and scouts provided the ranking data. HA Viewpoint’s analysis confirms the shift in value from QBs to defensive game-wreckers.