Browns Shine at NFL Honors with Multiple Awards

Myles Garrett, Carson Schwesinger, and Mike Vrabel earn top honors for the Browns and Patriots

Feb. 6, 2026 at 7:15am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The Cleveland Browns may have struggled on the field, but they cleaned up at the NFL Honors awards ceremony. EDGE rusher Myles Garrett won his second 'NFL Defensive Player of the Year' award, and second-round draft pick linebacker Carson Schwesinger took home 'NFL Rookie Defensive Player of the Year'. Former Browns consultant Mike Vrabel, now the head coach of the New England Patriots, was named 'NFL Coach of the Year' after leading a turnaround season.

Why it matters

The Browns' success at the NFL Honors provides hope for the team's future, despite their on-field struggles. Garrett and Schwesinger's awards highlight the team's defensive talent, while Vrabel's coaching honor shows the potential for a Browns turnaround under new leadership.

The details

Garrett broke the single-season sack record with 23.0 and led the league in several other defensive categories. Schwesinger, the Browns' second-round pick, finished sixth in the NFL in total tackles despite missing the season finale. Vrabel, who was on the Browns' staff in 2024, is now leading the Patriots to the Super Bowl in just his second season as head coach.

  • Myles Garrett won his second 'NFL Defensive Player of the Year' award in 2026.
  • Carson Schwesinger was named 'NFL Rookie Defensive Player of the Year' in 2026.
  • Mike Vrabel was named 'NFL Coach of the Year' in 2026.

The players

Myles Garrett

A EDGE rusher for the Cleveland Browns who won his second 'NFL Defensive Player of the Year' award and the 'Deacon Jones Award' for most sacks in a season.

Carson Schwesinger

A linebacker for the Cleveland Browns who was named 'NFL Rookie Defensive Player of the Year' after finishing sixth in the league in total tackles.

Mike Vrabel

The head coach of the New England Patriots who was named 'NFL Coach of the Year' after leading a turnaround season. Vrabel previously served as a coaching and personnel consultant for the Browns in 2024.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What’s next

The Browns will look to build on their success at the NFL Honors and carry that momentum into the 2026 season under new head coach Kevin Stefanski.

The takeaway

The Browns' strong performance at the NFL Honors, with multiple individual awards and a coaching honor for a former Browns consultant, provides hope for the team's future despite their recent struggles. The combination of defensive talent, a new coaching staff, and an extra first-round pick in 2026 gives Browns fans reasons to be optimistic about the team's potential turnaround.