Myles Garrett and Jaxon Smith-Njigba named offensive and defensive players of the year

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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 at the NFL Honors.

Garrett was unanimously voted NFL Defensive Player of the Year, the second time in his career he received that 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, Thursday, Feb. 5, 2026, in San Francisco. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)

The Browns star set the NFL record with 23 sacks in a single season, surpassing Pittsburgh Steelers running back TJ Watt and New York Giants legend Michael Strahan in the final game of the season. Garrett fired Joe Burrow in the final game of the season. Cleveland defeated the Cincinnati Bengals, 20-18.

It was the first time Garrett had 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 a deflected pass.

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Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba speaks during a press conference on Wednesday, Feb. 4, 2026, in San Jose, Calif., before 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 when 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 receptions for 1,793 yards and an NFL-leading 10 touchdowns. 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.