Myles Garrett Discusses "Dirty Player" Label

Because of incidents like a punch thrown and various hits, including one that broke the leg of a New York Jets quarterback Trevor Siemian, plenty have discussed Cleveland Browns defensive end Myles Garrett as a dirty player. And much of it came long before Garrett hit Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Mason Rudolph with his own helmet.

Garrett didn't address the punch he threw against the Tennessee Titans, but he dismissed the whole notion as largely a product of the media. Much of this came up after Garrett had multiple hits on Jets quarterbacks that had poor results. One was a personal foul for landing on the quarterback and another just had the leg end up sticking in the ground as he was hit with Garrett's weight bending him over the leg, resulting in the injury. It happened in a nationally televised game, which is part of what allowed this label to take off.

Garrett said he didn't intend to change how he plays, aiming to play within the rules of the game. He still intends to be aggressive and the game lends itself to some of these borderline hits. At times the result can determine the outcome of the call as opposed to the intent or timing.

The label was certainly not helped by the incident with Rudolph, making it easier for people already inclined to think Garrett was dirty, to confirm that belief. Garrett said that players within the league don't view him as a dirty player and ultimately, he's concerned with how he's viewed by them, his family and friends than what media or the general public believes.