In Week 18 of the 2025 NFL season, Myles Garrett of the Cleveland Browns etched his name in history by securing his 23rd sack of the season, setting a new single-season sack record according to NFL standards. Despite Garrett’s monumental achievement, former Minnesota Vikings star Jared Allen feels his own legacy has been unjustly overshadowed, claiming that he rightfully deserves to share this record.
In the lead-up to his induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in August 2025, Allen reiterated his belief that he should be recognized for having recorded 23 sacks during the 2011 season. He contends that during a pivotal game against the Green Bay Packers, he was robbed of a solo sack that would have given him the record. Allen recounted the play where he tackled Aaron Rodgers, but the NFL classified it as a team sack after later ruling that Rodgers had fumbled the ball, stripping Allen of a solo credit.
In a video posted by the Vikings, Allen explained, “I hold the 23-sack record. It’s 23. Not T.J. Watt at 22.5 in 17 games and not Michael Strahan. Facts are facts.” His assertion was supported by Rodgers, who said, “You are the all-time single-season sack leader, I don’t care what the numbers say.” This endorsement highlights the belief among some players and fans that Allen’s impact and statistics warrant a reevaluation.
The play in question occurred in Week 10 of the 2011 season, and while Allen was initially credited, it was later removed from his stats. This decision sparked debate about how sacks should be recorded, a topic that extends beyond Allen’s claims as T.J. Watt’s defenders also argue that he deserved to finish the 2021 season with a record 23.5 sacks under somewhat similar circumstances.
Watt’s case involves a play where Baltimore Ravens quarterback Tyler Huntley mishandled a snap, resulting in a tackle that some fans argue should have counted towards Watt’s sack total. Such instances raise questions about the NFL’s guidelines on sack statistics, which have recently come under scrutiny.
Despite the controversies, the official record places Myles Garrett at the forefront of single-season sack leaders. For Allen and others who feel their achievements have been undermined by the NFL’s record-keeping decisions, the journey towards recognition continues. While the league stands firm on its definitions and classifications of sacks, these discussions signal a broader need for clarity and fairness in the evaluation of players’ performances.
For the time being, while history may not recognize Allen or Watt atop the sack list, their stories contribute to the rich tapestry of NFL lore, filled with unforgettable moments and compelling narratives in the sport.