The Cleveland Browns closed their season with a win that felt heavier than the final score. In a year filled with frustration, questions, and uncertainty, Sunday offered a rare moment of unity. Inside the locker room, that moment was captured by a speech that quickly spread far beyond the walls of the building.
Head coach Kevin Stefanski addressed the team after the win and handed the game ball to kicker Andre Szmyt, and then followed it by recognizing defensive end Myles Garrett for setting the NFL single-season sack record.
“You cannot write this script better than this. Week 1, we struggled as a football team. We stuck with you because we believe in you. I’m proud of you, this one’s for you (hands ball to Andre Szmyt). This is the greatest team sport there is. I love this game, and I love everything that goes with it. But I also know something happened today in this game that has never happened in the history of the NFL. Your new sack champion (hands ball to Myles Garrett),” Stefanski said.
a great night in the greatest team sport that's ever been@Ticketmaster | #DawgPound pic.twitter.com/tWkCY98MlA
— Cleveland Browns (@Browns) January 4, 2026
The speech was shared by the Browns on social media and quickly gained traction. Fans reacted not just to the words, but to the emotion behind them. The moment with Szmyt stood out.
Szmyt’s journey this season was not easy. Early struggles raised doubts about him, but he responded by improving steadily and ultimately delivering in pressure moments. Seeing him rewarded in front of the entire team reflected the belief Stefanski referenced when he talked about sticking together after a difficult start.
Then there was Garrett.
Garrett breaking the sack record was the defining accomplishment of the season. It happened on the final day, in a game that no longer impacted the standings, but still mattered to the players inside that locker room.
Even amid widespread belief that change may be coming, Stefanski showed why he remains respected by the players.
The question has always been consistency.
Two straight losing seasons. Ongoing discipline issues. Missed opportunities. Those realities still exist. One speech does not erase them. But moments like this explain why decisions around Stefanski are not simple.
This locker room still believes in him. That much was clear.
NEXT: Myles Garrett Signs New Endorsement Deal After Breaking Sack Record
