You could argue that Green Bay Packers ED Micah Parsons and Cleveland Browns ED Myles Garrett are the two best defensive players in football. Parsons certainly thinks so, and he made his feelings clear on the matter. Ahead of their matchup on Sunday, Parsons spoke to media members on Friday who asked him about some comments Garrett made about their relationship, and one reporter asked Parsons what the two players talked about.
“Obviously, [Garrett] just offering moral support, just being a big brother, good friend throughout the situation,” Parsons said, referencing his contract dispute with and subsequent trade from the Cowboys. “And obviously, just me wishing for, asking for a couple tickets and doing some relay about how the season’s going. Pretty much it.”
Garrett is the reigning NFL Defensive Player of the Year for the Cleveland Browns and both he and Parsons are among the favorites to win the award this year.
Micah Parsons on the Level of Person and Player Browns ED Myles Garrett Is
John Fisher/GettyGREEN BAY, WISCONSIN – SEPTEMBER 07: Micah Parsons #1 of the Green Bay Packers celebrates after the Packers beat the Detroit Lions 27-13 at Lambeau Field on September 07, 2025 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Photo by John Fisher/Getty Images)
“I think, one, it makes the brotherhood tight because when you’re the best — and I would say he’s probably one of the better guys, if you argue Myles is better [than me], I wouldn’t hesitate to probably say you’re right,” Parsons said, offering high praise to his friend. “But competing and understanding what he’s done for the game of football and how he came in and dominated, but then also offering fellowship and mentorship. I think that’s what separates the good and the great, just being a big brother, a big friend.”
“Outside of football, you offering that, I think that just offers you just an unbelievable amount of respect when you do that. And you see his work ethic and you see his process, and you say, ‘Okay, now that’s why this guy is so good and is great.’ So I think a lot goes into it, but I would say those factors wight a lot more on me.”
When asked how many defensive players Parsons wouldn’t argue over if they were ranked ahead of him, he gave a short, direct answer. “Just [Parsons]. Just him.”
Cleveland Browns ED Myles Garrett is on His Way to Repeating as NFL DPOY
In just two games, Garrett already has 10 tackles and four sacks. Against the Bengals in Week 1, Garrett had a drive with a pair of back-to-back sacks, nearly single-handedly responsible for shutting down Cincinnati’s offense on that series. Cleveland’s defense is stouter than expected so far this season, in large part because of Garrett’s efforts.
Last season, Garrett finally won the award he probably should have won several times in the past already. With 47 tackles, 14 sacks, three forced fumbles, a fumble recovery, a pass defensed, and a blocked kick, Garrett had a sensational year. He’s had double-digit sacks every year since having seven as a rookie in 2017, culminating in a pair of 16-sack seasons in 2021 and 2022. In 2023 and 2024, he had back-to-back seasons with 14 sacks, and seems well on his way to matching or even exceeding that total this year.
Micah Parsons Opens Up About His Relationship With Browns Star Myles Garrett