Myles Garrett did not always envision himself as an NFL player. In a recent social media collaboration with Career Ladder host Max Klymenko, the Cleveland Browns star revealed he did not fully decide to pursue football until he was older.
Myles Garrett Reveals Late Commitment to Football in Viral Career Ladder Appearance
The video, part of Klymenko’s ladder-based guessing series and produced in collaboration with the NFL, challenged the host to identify Garrett’s profession in under two minutes. Early in the exchange, the conversation shifted to when Garrett realized football could be more than just a sport.
Asked how old he was when he decided to pursue it seriously, Garrett answered, “I was 18,” adding that his friends and family were “very supportive.”
When pressed on whether that was late for someone in a dream profession, he explained that it “took a while to decide that I loved it and that I really wanted to do it.”
In a league filled with stories of youth prodigies and lifelong singular focus, Garrett’s path stands out. Many top prospects describe dedicating themselves to football before high school. Garrett, by contrast, framed his decision as something that developed with time.
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Throughout the clip, Garrett confirmed he does not hold a degree, does not personally use AI in his job, and acknowledged that many would consider his role a dream occupation. When asked if he was good at it, Garrett responded, “Some say I’m the best,” before ultimately confirming he is an American football player.
Garrett was selected No. 1 overall in the 2017 NFL Draft and has spent his entire professional career with the Browns. He is a multiple-time All-Pro and the reigning 2025 Defensive Player of the Year.
Garrett once again served as the centerpiece of the Browns’ defense in 2025. His ability to generate pressure and command double and triple teams remains central to the Browns’ scheme. But all that is subject to change.
The franchise now enters a transitional period. The Browns hired Todd Monken as head coach. His hiring led to defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz stepping down from his role, despite having two years left on his deal. The quarterback position remains unsettled despite Shedeur Sanders earning a Pro Bowl nod.
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Garrett has played every season of his NFL career with the Browns. As the Browns navigate another retooling phase, he remains their most consistent and recognizable cornerstone. Off the field, Garrett is currently in Milan supporting his girlfriend, U.S. Olympic snowboarder Chloe Kim. His recent interview, conducted while in Milan, offered insight into his storybook journey.
Garrett did not fully commit to football until age 18, and now stands as the greatest defensive player of his era.
