The Cleveland Browns’ offseason has made headlines off the field. Two of the team’s high-profile players, veteran pass rusher Myles Garrett and rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders, were both recently cited for excessive speeding in Strongsville, Ohio.
According to local police, Garrett was pulled over around 2 a.m. on Saturday after driving 100 mph in a 60 mph zone. The Browns have yet to release any official comment on the incident.
While this is a serious offense in itself, it’s especially notable given Garrett’s past issues behind the wheel. In 2022, he was involved in a violent single-car accident when he lost control of his Porsche while speeding.
That crash ended with the car flipping multiple times and left both Garrett and a passenger with non-life-threatening injuries. He missed one game due to the crash, and at the time, described it as a learning experience.
Veteran and rookie share the same mistake
Garrett isn’t the only Browns player recently caught speeding. Back in June, rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders was cited twice within two weeks, once for going 91 mph in a 65 mph zone, and again for driving 101 mph in a 60 mph zone, also in Strongsville.
Sanders ended up paying roughly $519 in fines and court costs for the two offenses. Though he faced public criticism, some came to his defense. Former NFL player Asante Samuel downplayed the issue, saying “every player speeds,” while former Browns coach Eric Mangini called it part of a rookie’s learning curve.
However, others weren’t as forgiving. Browns general manager Andrew Berry labeled the behavior “not smart” and emphasized the importance of better decision-making off the field. Sanders later acknowledged his mistakes, saying he no longer drives fast and has learned from the situation.
While Sanders’ infractions could be chalked up to inexperience, Garrett’s situation is harder to dismiss. Now entering his eighth NFL season, Garrett is a former Defensive Player of the Year and one of the team’s key leaders. His influence on and off the field carries weight, and that’s what makes his speeding citation more concerning.
With the 2025 season approaching, these incidents have cast a spotlight on player accountability. Regardless of age or experience, both players made choices that could have had far worse outcomes. For a franchise with playoff hopes, staying safe off the field might be just as important as performing on it.
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