{
  "id": 6381481,
  "title": "Super Bowl-Winning Coach Names 'Best Damn Player in Football'",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/09/super-bowl-winning-coach-names-best-damn-player-in-football",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-09-09T04:42:57.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Newsweek",
    "slug": "newsweek",
    "url": "https://www.newsweek.com/sports/nfl/super-bowl-winning-coach-names-best-damn-player-in-football-12418668"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Mike Tomlin, the renowned Super Bowl-winning coach who previously led the Pittsburgh Steelers for 19 seasons and secured a championship in Super Bowl XLIII, has recently made an intriguing assertion regarding the best player in football. Now working as a broadcaster, Tomlin shared his opinion on Pro Football Focus' NFL Show, declaring Myles Garrett as the \"best damn player in football.\"\n\nGarrett, a defensive end who spent his entire career with the Cleveland Browns, is now a member of the Los Angeles Rams. Tomlin's praise for Garrett stems from the fact that the Steelers and Browns face each other twice a season in the AFC North, giving Tomlin a unique perspective on the player's abilities.\n\nTomlin highlighted Garrett's historic season, during which he set the NFL record for sacks in a single year with an impressive 23 in 2025. He emphasized that Garrett's success was particularly notable in situations where it would typically be difficult to achieve sacks due to the opposing team's strategies, such as running plays in the fourth quarter when the Steelers were down. This achievement makes Garrett's inclusion on the Super Bowl-contending Rams a cause for concern.\n\nTomlin explained that moments like these, where a team is ahead and forced to rely on one-dimensional plays, are when great players leave a lasting legacy. Garrett has already established a remarkable legacy in such critical situations. With his arrival in Los Angeles and the opportunity to play alongside future Hall of Fame defensive lineman Aaron Donald, Garrett is set to have even more chances to build on his already stellar reputation.\n\nThe Rams boast an impressive offensive lineup, spearheaded by defending Super Bowl MVP Matthew Stafford and star wide receivers Puka Nacua and Davante Adams. This powerful offense will generate numerous opportunities for opposing teams to pass the ball, creating more \"money moments\" for Garrett to shine. On Thursday night, as the Rams face off against the San Francisco 49ers in Melbourne, Australia, Tomlin will have a clearer idea of Garrett's performance as a Ram. Although Donald will miss the first game due to injury, he is expected to return for the Week 2 matchup against the New York Giants on Monday Night Football.",
  "summary": "A former NFL coach with a title-winning resume has named his choice for the best player in the sport.",
  "key_points": [
    "Mike Tomlin, Super Bowl-winning coach, calls Myles Garrett \"best damn player in football\".",
    "Garrett, defensive end, set NFL sack record with 23 in 2025.",
    "Steelers and Browns face each other twice a season, giving Tomlin unique perspective on Garrett."
  ],
  "editors_take": "Mike Tomlin's endorsement of Myles Garrett as the best damn player in football underscores the defensive end's formidable reputation and the significant threat he poses to opposing teams.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}