Myles Garrett Named Among TIME’s 100 Most Influential Figures in Global Sports
When TIME magazine released its list of the 100 Most Influential People in Global Sports, one name stood out across the NFL and beyond: Myles Garrett.
For Cleveland Browns fans, the recognition felt inevitable. For the global sports community, it marked a defining moment—confirmation that Garrett’s impact now stretches far beyond the football field.
This honor reflects more than elite performance. It recognizes a player who has evolved into a leader, thinker, and cultural presence in modern sports.
From Franchise Cornerstone to League Standard
Selected first overall in the NFL Draft, Garrett entered the league carrying enormous expectations. The Browns were not just drafting a pass rusher—they were searching for someone capable of anchoring a franchise long associated with instability.
Garrett didn’t simply rise to that challenge; he redefined it. From his earliest seasons, his presence altered how opponents prepared for Cleveland and how teammates approached their own standards. He became the focal point of game plans and the emotional anchor of the locker room.
Dominance That Demands Attention
On the field, Garrett’s talent is undeniable. His rare blend of power, speed, and technique has made him one of the most feared defensive players of his generation. Offensive coordinators design entire schemes around avoiding him. Quarterbacks feel his presence even when he isn’t on the stat sheet.
Yet what truly separates Garrett is not just his ability to overwhelm opponents, but his ability to elevate those around him. Teammates consistently point to his preparation and discipline as the tone-setter for the entire defense.
Influence Beyond the Numbers
TIME’s recognition goes far beyond sacks and accolades. It reflects Garrett’s emergence as a cultural and intellectual figure—something still rare at the highest levels of professional football.
Off the field, Garrett has pushed against the narrow stereotypes often attached to NFL stars. He is widely read, thoughtful in interviews, and deeply curious about the world beyond sports. Whether discussing art, poetry, leadership, or social responsibility, he speaks with depth and intention.
This authenticity has become central to his influence. In a sports landscape often driven by noise and spectacle, Garrett stands out for his substance.
A Quiet, Credible Leader
Garrett does not chase headlines. He speaks selectively, but when he does, people listen. His words carry weight because they are rooted in reflection rather than impulse.
That approach has earned him respect not only from fans and teammates, but also from peers across sports. Balancing superstardom with sincerity is no small task, and Garrett has managed it with rare consistency.
Leadership, for him, has never been performative—it has been lived.
Commitment to Cleveland and Community
In Cleveland, Garrett has fully embraced the responsibility of being the face of a franchise that represents more than wins and losses. The Browns are deeply tied to the identity of their city, and Garrett has repeatedly emphasized the importance of honoring that connection.
His community work—often carried out quietly—has focused on education, housing, and opportunity. These efforts reinforce a core belief that influence is most powerful when it is intentional and rooted in service.
A Global Stage, A Broader Meaning
TIME’s list spans continents and sports, highlighting individuals who shape how their disciplines are viewed worldwide. For an NFL defensive lineman to be included among global icons speaks volumes about Garrett’s expanding reach.
He is no longer just an American football star. He represents a modern model of athletic leadership—one that blends excellence, intelligence, and accountability.
Why This Moment Matters
The timing of this honor is especially significant. As sports continue to intersect with culture, social dialogue, and global influence, athletes are increasingly asked to navigate complex roles.
Garrett has done so with calm confidence. He does not pretend to have all the answers, but he approaches every question with seriousness and respect—qualities that resonate far beyond the locker room.
More Than a Player
For the Browns, this recognition confirms what fans have long believed: Myles Garrett is not just the team’s best player—he is its heartbeat. His influence has helped reshape a franchise once defined by chaos into one associated with resilience and belief.
For young athletes watching around the world, his journey offers a broader definition of success. It shows that strength and intellect can coexist, and that true influence is built through consistency, values, and purpose.
As TIME’s list circulates globally, many readers may encounter Garrett’s name without ever having watched a Browns game. Still, they will recognize something universal in his story—the power of leadership grounded in authenticity.
Myles Garrett isn’t just shaping games.
He’s shaping the culture around them.
