Myles Garrett has become one of the NFL’s most dominant defensive players, but his journey to professional football began in a family with a strong sporting background. The Cleveland Browns defensive end was raised by his parents, Audrey Garrett and Lawrence Garrett, who both had experience in competitive athletics. His mother was an All-American track and field athlete at Hampton University, while his father played sports and later worked as a basketball coach.
Born on December 29, 1995, in Arlington, Texas, Garrett grew up surrounded by people who understood the importance of discipline, education and physical fitness. His parents supported his sporting ambitions without forcing him into a particular career. Their influence helped him develop into the first overall selection in the 2017 NFL Draft and eventually the NFL Defensive Player of the Year in 2023.
Who Are Myles Garrett’s Parents?
Myles Garrett’s parents are Audrey Garrett and Lawrence Garrett. Both have athletic backgrounds and played important roles in his development.
Audrey was a successful collegiate track athlete who competed at Hampton University. Her experience in competitive sports gave her a strong understanding of training, determination and physical preparation.
Lawrence, meanwhile, participated in sports throughout his younger years and later became involved in basketball coaching. He also pursued business interests outside athletics.
The couple raised their children in Arlington, Texas, where Myles developed an interest in several sports before concentrating on football.
Although his parents recognised his athletic potential early, they encouraged him to explore different activities rather than limiting his opportunities.
Their family environment also placed considerable importance on education and personal responsibility.
As Garrett’s football career progressed, Audrey and Lawrence remained involved in his life, attending important events and offering encouragement during difficult periods.
Who Is Myles Garrett’s Mother Audrey Garrett?
Audrey Garrett is a former All-American track and field athlete who attended Hampton University in Virginia.
Her achievements in collegiate athletics demonstrated considerable talent and dedication. However, health problems eventually affected her ability to continue competing.
Audrey has discussed dealing with multiple sclerosis and rheumatoid arthritis, conditions that presented significant challenges to her athletic ambitions.
After her sporting career ended, she redirected her attention toward education and professional development.
She later pursued advanced academic studies, including doctoral-level work in strategic leadership.
Her experiences gave her a different perspective on success and the importance of adapting when circumstances change.
For Myles, his mother’s determination provided an example of resilience beyond professional sports.
Audrey also remained closely involved in his football development, encouraging him to take advantage of opportunities that could support his career.
Her involvement extended to his public image. In 2019, Garrett appeared in ESPN The Magazine’s Body Issue, an opportunity his mother had encouraged him to consider.
The feature highlighted his athletic physique and the physical preparation required to compete as an NFL defensive end.
Audrey has remained a visible supporter of her son, particularly during major career achievements and challenging moments.
Who Is Myles Garrett’s Father Lawrence Garrett?
Lawrence Garrett is a former basketball coach and businessman who helped shape his son’s approach to athletics.
He attended the University of California and developed an interest in coaching after his own experiences participating in sports.
Lawrence later worked as an Amateur Athletic Union basketball coach, helping younger athletes improve their skills and understand competitive sports.
His coaching experience gave him valuable knowledge about athletic development, teamwork and handling pressure.
When Myles was growing up, Lawrence recognised that his son had considerable physical ability.
However, he did not insist that Garrett pursue football professionally.
Instead, he allowed him to explore different sports and develop his own interests.
Lawrence has also spoken about preparing his son for criticism, particularly as his football career attracted greater public attention.
He understood that professional athletes face scrutiny from fans, journalists and opponents.
Rather than expecting universal approval, he encouraged Garrett to remain focused on his responsibilities and avoid allowing negative opinions to determine his confidence.
This advice became increasingly relevant as Garrett moved from high school football to college competition and eventually the NFL.
Myles Garrett’s Childhood and Athletic Family Background
Myles Garrett grew up in Arlington, Texas, alongside siblings who also demonstrated athletic talent.
His older brother, Sean Williams, played basketball at Boston College before entering the NBA. Williams was selected by the New Jersey Nets in the first round of the 2007 NBA Draft.
Garrett’s sister, Brea Garrett, also pursued athletics and became a successful track and field competitor at Texas A&M University.
Brea won an NCAA championship in the weight throw, adding another major sporting achievement to the family.
Growing up with accomplished athletes helped Myles understand the effort required to compete at a high level.
He attended Martin High School in Arlington, where he became one of the country’s leading defensive football prospects.
His combination of size, speed and strength made him particularly effective as a pass rusher.
During his senior season, Garrett recorded impressive defensive statistics and attracted scholarship offers from major college programs.
He eventually committed to Texas A&M, continuing the family’s connection to competitive college athletics.
His parents supported the decision and remained involved as he prepared for the next stage of his career.
How Audrey and Lawrence Garrett Supported His Football Career
Audrey and Lawrence Garrett contributed to their son’s development in different ways.
Audrey understood the physical demands of elite competition because of her own track and field experience.
She encouraged Garrett to maintain discipline in his training while recognising the importance of education and personal development.
Lawrence focused on helping his son understand competition, criticism and responsibility.
As Garrett became a nationally recognised football prospect, his father reminded him that public attention would include both praise and negative reactions.
Those lessons became important when Garrett entered the NFL.
Professional football brought greater expectations, intense media coverage and occasional controversy.
His parents continued supporting him during those experiences while also acknowledging the importance of accountability.
Their approach reflected the difference between supporting a family member and automatically defending every decision.
Garrett has spoken positively about the role his parents played in helping him maintain confidence throughout his career.
How Myles Garrett’s Parents Responded to His NFL Controversy
One of the most difficult moments in Garrett’s professional career occurred in November 2019 during a game against the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Garrett was involved in an altercation with quarterback Mason Rudolph and struck him with a helmet.
The incident resulted in an indefinite suspension that ultimately kept Garrett out for the remainder of the season.
The NFL reinstated him in February 2020.
During the controversy, Garrett faced widespread criticism and questions about his conduct.
His mother, Audrey, publicly supported him while recognising that his actions were unacceptable.
The family emphasised the importance of helping him move forward rather than ignoring what had happened.
Lawrence also remained involved in his son’s life as Garrett worked toward returning to football.
Following his reinstatement, Garrett continued developing into one of the league’s leading defensive players.
His performances demonstrated his ability to recover professionally from a major setback.
Myles Garrett’s NFL Career and Major Achievements
Myles Garrett played college football at Texas A&M from 2014 through 2016.
He quickly established himself as one of the most talented defensive players in college football, recording sacks and tackles for loss against strong competition.
The Cleveland Browns selected him with the first overall pick in the 2017 NFL Draft.
Garrett made an immediate impact and developed into the centrepiece of Cleveland’s defensive line.
His speed, strength and ability to pressure opposing quarterbacks helped him earn multiple Pro Bowl and All-Pro selections.
In February 2024, he received the Associated Press NFL Defensive Player of the Year award for his performances during the 2023 season.
The recognition represented one of the biggest achievements of his professional career.
Garrett has continued adding to his accomplishments, including setting the NFL single-season sack record with 23 sacks during the 2025 season.
His success has strengthened his reputation as one of the most accomplished defensive ends of his generation.
For Audrey and Lawrence, these achievements represent the result of years of preparation and commitment that began during their son’s childhood.
Myles Garrett’s Relationship With His Parents Today
Myles Garrett has maintained a close relationship with his parents despite the demands of his professional football career.
Both Audrey and Lawrence have continued supporting him at games and important team events.
During a Cleveland Browns open practice in 2024, Garrett shared a memorable interaction with his father when he threw a football toward Lawrence, who caught the pass.
The moment attracted attention because it showed the relaxed relationship between the player and his father away from competitive action.
Garrett has also remained connected to his wider family, including his siblings and their athletic achievements.
His upbringing in a household where sports were already an important part of everyday life helped prepare him for the expectations of professional football.
Audrey’s experience overcoming health challenges and Lawrence’s background in coaching provided different but complementary influences.
Their support has remained an important part of Garrett’s story, from his early football years in Texas to becoming one of the NFL’s most recognised defensive players.