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The debate over the greatest defensive ends in NFL history reached a fever pitch this week after the digital outlet OldTimeHardball released its definitive top 10 rankings.
While the list was populated by Hall of Fame icons, the absence of Cleveland Browns defensive end Myles Garrett triggered an immediate and vocal response from the football community.
Among the most prominent critics was six-time Pro Bowl defensive tackle Gerald McCoy, who argued that Myles Garrett has already surpassed many of the legends traditionally found on such lists.
Resharing the rankings to his personal X handle, Gerald McCoy dismissed the omission as a failure to recognize a generational talent currently in his prime.
"Myles Garrett already top 5," he wrote. "Yall can be upset or argue with somebody else. And I'm showing grace. It's really top 3 but I'll let that play out."
The list that sparked the controversy prioritized career longevity and historical impact, featuring Reggie White and Bruce Smith at the summit.
Other inclusions ranged from 1960s pioneer Deacon Jones to modern-era locks like J.J. Watt and Julius Peppers.
While these players boast double-digit seasons of elite production, Gerald McCoy's stance emphasizes the sheer efficiency and physical dominance Myles Garrett has displayed since entering the league in 2017.
The veteran defensive tackle's "top 3" assertion suggests that Myles Garrett's current trajectory is comparable only to the most elite pass rushers the sport has ever seen.
Historical efficiency and single-season records
The statistical foundation for Gerald McCoy's argument is difficult to ignore, particularly following Myles Garrett's historic 2025-2026 campaign.
On January 4, 2026, Myles Garrett officially cemented his place in the record books by sacking Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow to reach 23 sacks for the season.
This achievement surpassed the previous single-season mark of 22.5 shared by Michael Strahan and T.J. Watt, making Myles Garrett the first player in NFL history to hit the 23-sack threshold in a single year.
Furthermore, at just 30 years old, Myles Garrett recently became the fourth-fastest player to ever reach 100 career sacks, matching the pace of all-time sack leader Bruce Smith.
Arguments against Myles Garrett's inclusion typically center on his total career volume compared to retired legends.
While Reggie White accumulated 198 sacks over 15 seasons and Bruce Smith notched 200 over 19, Myles Garrett currently sits at 125.5 sacks after just nine seasons.