Dec 22, 2024; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Browns defensive end Myles Garrett (95) warms up before a game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Paycor Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joseph Maiorana-Imagn Images

Myles Garrett’s Teammate Snaps Back at DE’s Critics With Blunt Take

Originally posted on Gridiron Heroics | By Rex Villas | Last updated Jun 6, 2025 9:26 AM ET

Cleveland Browns superstar Myles Garrett was recently under fire for missing his team’s voluntary OTAs.

When the former Texas A&M Aggies pass rusher surfaced on social media, showing that he’s in Japan, many felt that he failed in his obligation as a leader on the team, as he opted to be somewhere else instead of practicing with the Browns.

However, at least one of his teammates has stepped up to defend the six-time Pro Bowler from the critics.

“It’s not mandatory, and it’s more for the young guys,” Browns defensive end Ogbo Okoronkwo said (via Nate Ulrich of the Akron Beacon Journal). “It’s definitely encouraging to the young guys when you see those older guys there. But for a guy like Myles, I mean, I’ve trained with Myles before. He’ll be all right when the season comes. We all know that. You let a guy like that who does all the right things [do his thing]. That’s why I don’t really understand everybody saying all those things about him.”

For Okoronkwo, Garrett’s body of work speaks for itself, and not his availability in voluntary functions.

“He’s going above and beyond to make sure he’s ready to play on Sunday. When he gets on the field, he’s the best player in the world. Some things could just be left alone, and Myles is one of those. Look, he’ll be here, and we all know what we’re going to get from him. There’s going to be no surprises and no question marks. We’re going to go into this thing, and he’s going to lead the charge.”

Dec 8, 2024; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Cleveland Browns defensive end Myles Garrett (95) celebrates a fumble recovery against the Pittsburgh Steelers during the fourth quarter at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Barry Reeger-Imagn Images

At the end of the day, it’s what Garrett will do on the field during the season that will matter the most for the Browns, who won just three games in 2024. Last season, Garrett had 14.0 sacks to increase his career total in the NFL to 102.5 sacks.

Dec 15, 2024; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Browns defensive end Myles Garrett (95) during warm ups before the game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Huntington Bank Field. Mandatory Credit: Scott Galvin-Imagn Images

This article first appeared on Gridiron Heroics and was syndicated with permission.

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