"Across generations, elite pass rushers have built their legacies by consistently winning their matchups and living in the backfield. While team schemes and supporting casts matter, some seasons stand out for individual dominance. The numbers below represent the peak of pass-rushing production in a single year. From Myles Garrett and T.J. Watt to Lawrence Taylor and Reggie White, here's a look at the players who etched their names into the top-10 list of single-season sack leaders."
"Sacks: 23.5 Year: 2025 Garrett entered Week 18 one sack shy of the single-season record, after he came up empty against the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 17. In the fourth quarter of the regular-season finale against Joe Burrow and the Cincinnati Bengals, Garrett finally broke through, recording his 23rd sack to claim the record. The previous mark of 22.5 sacks was held by Pro Football Hall of Famer Michael Strahan, who set it in 2001, and Steelers edge rusher T.J. Watt, who matched it in 2021."
Getting to the quarterback is one of the most disruptive and celebrated skills in the NFL. Elite pass rushers build legacies by consistently winning matchups and pressuring the backfield. Team schemes and supporting casts influence production, but certain seasons show clear individual dominance. The list highlights peak single-season sack totals and features names across eras, including Myles Garrett, T.J. Watt, Lawrence Taylor, Reggie White, and Michael Strahan. Myles Garrett recorded 23.5 sacks in 2025 to set the single-season record. T.J. Watt and Michael Strahan each recorded 22.5 sacks in 2021 and 2001, respectively.
Read at ESPN.com
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