USA

Myles Garrett, Jaxon Smith-Njigba named Defensive and Offensive Players of the Year

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!

Cleveland Browns linebacker Myles Garrett and Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba were named the NFL’s Defensive and Offensive Players of the Year, respectively, at the NFL Honors on Thursday night.

Garrett was a unanimous choice for NFL Defensive Player of the Year, earning the honor for the second time in his career.

CLICK HERE TO GET MORE SPORTS NEWS ON FOXNEWS.COM

Cleveland Browns’ Myles Garrett accepts the AP Defensive Player of the Year award at the NFL Honors awards ceremony on Thursday, Feb. 5, 2026, in San Francisco. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)

The Browns star broke the NFL record with 23 sacks in a single season, passing Pittsburgh Steelers offensive lineman TJ Watt and New York Giants legend Michael Strahan in the final game of the season. Garrett sacked Joe Burrow in the final game of the season. Cleveland defeated the Cincinnati Bengals 20-18.

This was the first time Garrett had at least 20 sacks in a single season. He never had more than 16 tackles. Garrett added 60 total steals, breaking his career high. He had three forced fumbles and a pass breakup.

THE CONTROVERSIAL PRO FOOTBALL HALL OF FAME CLASS OF 2026 HAS BEEN ANNOUNCED

Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba speaks during a press conference ahead of Super Bowl 60 between the New England Patriots and Seattle Seahawks on Wednesday, Feb. 4, 2026, in San Jose, Calif. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)

Smith-Njigba helped the Seahawks get back to the Super Bowl, where they will face the New England Patriots on Sunday night. He asserted himself as one of the best receivers in the NFL in 2025 and was rewarded for it.

The third-year player had 119 catches for an NFL-leading 1,793 yards and 10 touchdowns. He reached double digits for the first time in his young career. He also led the NFL in yards per touch with 14.3.