He wouldn t let it.
Suspended, disgraced and branded a villain for his helmet-swinging attack on Steelers quarterback Mason Rudolph in the closing seconds of a nationally televised game last year, Garrett found his playing career at a crossroads. He considered quitting.
However, he pushed on and persevered. Garrett turned his story around.
The Browns star defensive end on Thursday was named the team s Walter Payton Man of the Year, which annually recognizes the NFL’s best players for their excellence on the field and dedication to community service.
“It was never going to deter me or shake my spirit or take me off the path I’ve been on and I was going to go,” Garrett said of the incident with Rudolph, which resulted in a six-game league ban. “I’ve always wanted to do these kinds of things and nothing is going to change that.”