The Moment
It started with a casual comparison on The Pat McAfee Show—the kind of off-the-cuff remark that usually fades into the background noise of NFL talk. But when Los Angeles Rams general manager Les Snead dropped the phrase “Mount Rushmore” next to the name Myles Garrett, the sports internet collectively leaned in. Snead, a man who helped build a Super Bowl champion through aggressive roster construction and draft-day wizardry, wasn’t just throwing around hyperbole. He was making a declaration about a player who has redefined what it means to be a dominant edge rusher in the modern NFL.
The moment was electric because it tapped into something deeper than one executive’s opinion. It forced fans, analysts, and former players to ask: Who actually belongs on the defensive Mount Rushmore? And is Garrett—a player with 88.5 career sacks through eight seasons, a Defensive Player of the Year award, and a highlight reel that looks like a video game—already worthy of a stone-carved legacy?
What made this moment special wasn’t just the debate itself. It was the timing. We’re in the middle of a golden era for pass rushers—think T.J. Watt, Micah Parsons, and Nick Bosa—but Garrett has consistently separated himself with a rare combination of power, bend, and technical refinement. Snead’s comment didn’t just praise Garrett; it reignited a conversation about how we measure defensive greatness in an era where offensive fireworks dominate headlines.
Breaking It Down
Let’s get into the numbers, because the stats tell a story that goes beyond sack totals. Myles Garrett has posted a pass-rush win rate of over 20% in each of the last four seasons, according to Next Gen Stats. That places him in the 99th percentile among edge rushers. His pressure rate—the percentage of dropbacks where he hurries, hits, or sacks the quarterback—has consistently hovered around 15%, a threshold that separates elite disruptors from merely good ones.
But the advanced metrics that truly set Garrett apart are his double-team rate and his ability to win despite it. Since 2020, Garrett has faced a double-team on over 30% of his pass-rush snaps, yet his win rate against double teams is among the highest in the league. That’s the kind of dominance that doesn’t show up on a traditional stat sheet but drives defensive coordinators insane.
Compare that to the historical Mount Rushmore candidates: Lawrence Taylor, Reggie White, Bruce Smith, and J.J. Watt. Taylor revolutionized the linebacker position. White was a force of nature who dominated from the interior. Smith holds the all-time sack record. Watt had a three-year peak that might be unmatched. Garrett’s argument rests on his sustained excellence in an era where offenses are faster, quarterbacks are more protected, and the ball comes out quicker than ever before. The numbers tell a different story for each era, but Garrett’s adjusted sack rate—sacks per pass attempt—is historically elite.
However, the counterargument is just as strong. Garrett has only one playoff win in his career. He’s never played in a Super Bowl. The Mount Rushmore is about legacy, and legacy is often tied to championships. Taylor has two rings. White has one. Watt has none, but his impact on the game and his three DPOY awards make a strong case. Garrett has one DPOY. Is that enough to carve his face next to legends? The debate is far from settled.
The Bigger Picture
This isn’t just about Myles Garrett. It’s about how we contextualize greatness in a league that is increasingly driven by narrative. The NFL has become a 24/7 content machine, and debates like this one are the fuel. Every time a prominent figure like Les Snead makes a bold claim, it creates a ripple effect across podcasts, talk shows, and social media. The Cleveland Browns’ decision to trade for Deshaun Watson and build a win-now roster around Garrett adds another layer—if the Browns fail to make a deep playoff run, does that diminish Garrett’s legacy unfairly?
From a season perspective, Garrett is on pace for another double-digit sack season, and his impact on the Browns’ defense is undeniable. Cleveland’s defense has consistently ranked in the top 10 in pressure rate and sack percentage since Garrett became the focal point. But the bigger question is whether individual defensive dominance can ever outweigh team success in the Mount Rushmore conversation. The NFL is a quarterback-driven league, and defensive players often get overlooked in legacy discussions. Snead’s comments are a pushback against that trend.
Business & Culture
The business side of this debate is fascinating. Myles Garrett signed a five-year, $125 million extension in 2020, making him one of the highest-paid defensive players in NFL history. That contract reflects not just his on-field production but his marketability. Garrett is a face of the franchise for the Browns, and his brand extends beyond football—he’s a poet, a car enthusiast, and a thoughtful interview subject. That cultural resonance matters when you’re talking about a Mount Rushmore. It’s not just about sacks; it’s about impact on the game’s culture.
Fan reactions have been predictably split. Browns fans are all-in on Garrett, arguing that his combination of athleticism and consistency is unprecedented. Critics point to his 2021 suspension for hitting Steelers quarterback Mason Rudolph with his helmet—a moment that still haunts his reputation. But in the court of public opinion, time heals most wounds, and Garrett’s recent seasons have been largely controversy-free. The debate also highlights how media rights and the NFL’s dominance of the sports calendar drive these conversations. Networks need content, and legacy debates are cheap, engaging, and endlessly repeatable.
What’s Next
Looking ahead, the real test for Garrett’s Mount Rushmore case will come in the playoffs. If the Browns can make a run—and that’s a big if, given the uncertainty at quarterback—Garrett has a chance to add a defining moment to his resume. A signature playoff performance, like a multi-sack game against a top offense, could silence critics. Conversely, another early exit will keep the debate alive.
I expect this conversation to intensify as the season progresses, especially if Garrett continues to post elite numbers. Content creators should keep an eye on key matchups—like games against the Bengals, Ravens, and Steelers—where Garrett faces elite offensive tackles. Those games will provide fresh material for the Mount Rushmore debate. The narrative will also be shaped by how other elite defenders, like T.J. Watt and Micah Parsons, perform. If one of them wins another DPOY or makes a deep playoff run, the comparison becomes even more interesting.
Creator Take
For YouTube creators, this is a goldmine. The Mount Rushmore debate is a proven format for engagement—every fan has an opinion, and no one agrees. Here’s how to capitalize: Don’t just list names. Use PFF grades, Next Gen Stats, and historical comps to build a case. Create a video titled “Why Myles Garrett IS the Defensive Mount Rushmore” and then a follow-up titled “The Case Against Myles Garrett.” That’s two videos from one debate. Use polls, comments, and community posts to let fans vote on their own Rushmore. The key is to be opinionated but data-backed. Take a stance—don’t be afraid to say “Garrett is overrated” or “He’s already top 5 all-time.” The algorithm rewards strong opinions, especially when they’re supported by stats. And remember: the best content creators don’t just report the debate; they become part of it.
