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Cleveland Browns defensive end Myles Garrett and Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba were named NFL Defensive and Offensive Players of the Year, respectively, Thursday night during NFL Honors.
Garrett was the unanimous choice for NFL Defensive Player of the Year and it was the second time in his career he received the honor.
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Myles Garrett of the Cleveland Browns accepts the AP Defensive Player of the Year award during the NFL Honors awards ceremony Thursday, Feb. 5, 2026, in San Francisco. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)
The Browns star set the NFL mark with 23 sacks in a single season, surpassing Pittsburgh Steelers edge rusher 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.
It was the first time Garrett reached at least 20 sacks in a single season. He never had more than 16. Garrett added 60 total tackles, tying a career high. He had three forced fumbles and one assist.
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Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba speaks during a news conference Wednesday, Feb. 4, 2026, in San Jose, Calif., ahead of Super Bowl 60 between the New England Patriots and the Seattle Seahawks. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)
Smith-Njigba helped the Seahawks return to the Super Bowl as they face the New England Patriots on Sunday night. In 2025, he established himself as one of the best receivers in the NFL and was rewarded for it.
The third-year player had 119 catches for 1,793 yards and 10 touchdowns, leading the NFL. It was the first time in his young career that he reached the double-digit touchdown mark. He also led the NFL in yards per touch with 14.3.
Myles Garrett and Jaxon Smith-Njigba were named Defensive and Offensive Players of the Year, respectively, on February 5, 2026. (IMAGINE)
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With Sam Darnold under center, the Seahawks were third in points scored and eighth in yards gained.
