Former NFL pass rusher Shaquil Barrett is all-in on Myles Garrett becoming the new single-season sack king. In a January 3, 2026, interview with TMZ Sports, the retired two-time Super Bowl champion (who notched 19.5 sacks in 2019) predicted Garrett will surpass the record of 22.5 this weekend—no asterisk attached!
Barrett’s Take: No Asterisk for the 17-Game Era
Garrett enters the Browns’ season finale against the Cincinnati Bengals with 22.0 sacks—just one shy of breaking the mark shared by Michael Strahan (2001) and T.J. Watt (2021). Barrett dismissed concerns about the expanded 17-game schedule giving Garrett extra opportunities:
“It doesn’t matter—the schedule isn’t his fault, and the game gets harder as time goes on.”
Shaq, who retired in 2025 after a 59-sack career, is rooting hard for Garrett to “get it done” in Week 18.
Garrett’s Historic Chase
The Cleveland Browns superstar has dominated despite a struggling team, tying Jared Allen and Mark Gastineau for third all-time in a season. He’s posted 15 career sacks against the Bengals—his most against any opponent—setting up a favorable matchup.
Garrett remained confident post-Week 17 (no sack vs. Steelers): “Absolutely… Four more quarters, 60 more minutes.”
If Garrett hits 23+, he’ll shatter the official record outright. Barrett and many others see no debate—it’s a legit crowning for one of the league’s all-time great pass rushers.
Will Myles seal the deal against Cincy? The NFL world is watching!