Myles Garrett Seeks LeBron’s Guidance as He Eyes Exit from Cleveland

Myles Garrett wants out of Cleveland, and he turned to LeBron James for advice. The Cleveland Browns defensive end recently consulted with his family and agent before making his trade request public. Seeking insight from the NBA icon, Garrett aimed to understand the complexities of leaving a city that has been home for both athletes.

LeBron James made headlines when he departed from the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2010 to join the Miami Heat, where he secured two NBA championships. Similarly, Garrett is looking for a team capable of competing for a title, highlighting his desire to win as a primary motivator for his request.

During an appearance on “The Rich Eisen Show,” Garrett discussed his reasoning for wanting a trade and shared insights from his conversation with James. “I wanted to know what a major change looked like for him,” he explained while attending Radio Row interviews ahead of Super Bowl LIX.

Garrett emphasized the importance of making a well-thought-out decision. He reflected on his connection to Northeast Ohio, stating, “Cleveland has been his home, and it feels like my home as well.” This acknowledgment shows his respect for the community, even as he seeks new opportunities.

When asked if LeBron was disappointed by his decision, Garrett shared that the NBA star reached out to understand his feelings. “He just wanted to see exactly how I was feeling, where my head was at,” Garrett said, indicating the supportive nature of their dialogue.

Garrett made it clear that his aspirations extend beyond interviews during Super Bowl Week; he wants to play in the championship game. “I want to go to a contender,” he told Eisen. “I just want to be in a position to play in those big games and win.” His ambition reflects a desire to make a significant impact on a team poised for success.

Feeling that a championship run was unlikely in Cleveland, which concluded a disappointing 3-14 season, Garrett expressed concerns about the team’s direction. “I have a lot of respect for them, but I just don’t think we’re aligned on where the team is going in the near future,” he stated, highlighting the urgency athletes feel as their careers progress.

Drafted first overall by the Browns in 2017, Garrett has consistently delivered outstanding performances, achieving double-digit sacks in all but his rookie season. He has been named a first-team All-Pro four times, including the most recent season. Despite his personal success, the Browns have struggled, recording losing seasons in six of Garrett’s eight years.

Garrett expressed his love for Cleveland but made it clear that winning championships is his priority. “It’s always been about [playing] for championships, winning those big games,” he noted. “We haven’t had the opportunity to do that.” His focus remains on achieving greatness, not individual accolades.

Finishing the season with 47 tackles and a team-leading 14 sacks, Garrett holds the Browns’ all-time sack record at 102.5. Despite the team’s reported reluctance to trade him, Garrett remains undeterred. “No one’s stuck to one team,” he remarked, referencing the dynamic nature of player movements in professional sports. “So we’ll see what happens.”

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