USA TODAY International Edition
With Steelers looming, Browns support Garrett
Kareem Hunt believes he knows how Myles Garrett felt to be in the spotlight’s glare, awash in NFL controversy.
Browns running back Hunt and defensive end Garrett served league suspensions last season, Hunt for physical altercations off the field in 2018, Garrett for his shocking moment on it Nov. 14.
As Garrett prepares to face the Steelers for the first time since he hit Mason Rudolph over the head with the quarterback’s own helmet in the waning seconds of a Browns’ home victory in Cleveland, Hunt seemed to have the best grasp of what Sunday’s game at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh means.
“Nobody likes having their season cut short, I know I didn’t, and I’m almost positive I know Myles wasn’t, either,” Hunt said Wednesday via Zoom.
“Myles is a great person and a great player and a great teammate. He learned a lot from going through situations like that. He’s got to come ready and forget about all that stuff and do whatever he can.
“This one’s for Myles, this one’s for Cleveland Browns fans, this one’s for a lot of things.”
The rivalry game carries more weight than usual. The Steelers haven’t been 4- 0 since 1979; the Browns haven’t started 4- 1 since 1994. That won’t detract attention from Garrett facing the Steelers, even though Rudolph hasn’t taken a snap this season as Ben Roethlisberger’s backup.
Hunt said he relayed a message to Garrett in the aftermath of his stunning retaliation, because Hunt knew what it felt like to let his team down. Hunt was cut by the Chiefs and had to sit out the first eight games with the Browns last season, and Garrett missed the final six.
Hunt’s feelings about Garrett haven’t changed in the months since. Garrett told ESPN’s Mina Kimes that Rudolph’s use of a racial slur prompted the melee, which also resulted in suspensions for Browns defensive tackle Larry Ogunjobi and Steelers center Maurkice Pouncey. Rudolph and Steelers coach Mike Tomlin have vehemently denied Garrett’s accusation.
“We love Myles. We’ve got Myles’ back no matter what and he definitely has ours, too. We all know that. Can’t ask for a better teammate than Myles,” Hunt said. “Last year doesn’t matter, we’ve got a new team, coach, everything and new record. We’ve definitely got to come out and be ready to play and keep our emotions in check and keep playing in between the whistles. We’ve got to be smart; it’s going to be a long, physical game.”
Hunt said Garrett has the right mindset to do that. Only 5,500 fans will be in
the stands due to COVID- 19 protocols.
“Most definitely. It takes a lot to get Myles out of his element,” Hunt said. “Myles is a great person. I have no doubt in my mind that he’ll keep those emotions in check and go out there and just play football.”
With the Steelers potentially to try to bait Garrett, Browns coach Kevin Stefanski said he believes Garrett can handle whatever is in store. “I think Myles has addressed it, I feel like it’s something that he’s definitely put in the past, he’s definitely learned from, has grown from,” Stefanski said. “I know the focus for our team and for Myles is on this game. But I trust that he’s grown a lot in the ( past) year.”
Garrett has been a game- changer, ranking second in the league in sacks with six, four off his 10- game total in 2019. Garrett had a streak of three consecutive games with a strip- sack snapped Sunday, but his tackle on Colts quarterback Philip Rivers led to a crucial intentional grounding safety.
Teammates rave about Garrett’s performance, but they are just as impressed with his leadership.
“He’s done a great job of taking a real step of being a leader on this team,” center JC Tretter said via Zoom. “That’s really stood out to me this year.”