Browns star DE Myles Garrett responds to leadership criticisms

Cleveland Browns star pass-rusher Myles Garrett responded Tuesday to comments former teammate Malik Jackson made about Garrett's supposed lack of leadership qualities. 

"I saw them, but he has a right to his opinion and we’re all learning as we go," Garrett told reporters, per Mary Kay Cabot of the Cleveland Plain Dealer. "And leadership is a fluid thing. It takes different shapes and forms depending on the room and depending on the person. And I can lead in the only way that I know how and I only can continue to grow as a leader and we’ll continue to lead together." 

Jackson played for the Browns during the 2021 season, Garrett's fifth campaign in the league after Cleveland made him the first overall pick of the 2017 draft. As shared by Chris Easterling of the Akron Beacon Journal, Jackson raised eyebrows earlier this month during an appearance on the NFL Network "Good Morning Football" program when he seemingly questioned Garrett's leadership qualities.

"I think he needs to take that bull by the horns and just lead more by example as far as in the classroom because we all know what he can do on the field but to be able to go in the classroom, command that respect, and tell guys what to do is really where I think he really needs to take that jump," Jackson said about Garrett.

Jackson added that "some guys just don’t have it" as it pertains to leading a championship-caliber roster. 

Garrett noted Tuesday that such leadership is a team effort. 

"It’s not just one person," the 27-year-old remarked. "We have a lot of experience in the room and we have to be together. We have to do this together and one voice shouldn’t speak louder than any other. We have to all be pushing at the same rate in the same direction. And that’s how winning teams, winning groups are made."

The 2023 Browns are expected to do more than compete for a postseason spot now that they have quarterback Deshaun Watson available for Week 1 for the first time since they acquired him in March 2022. Cleveland finished the 2021 season at 8-9 and out of the playoffs.

"Like I said, he has his own opinion and maybe my leadership style just didn’t fit him," Garrett continued. "Like I said, I can only lead how I know how to, and I don’t know if the result of the season played any part in how he felt about my leadership style, but I have the utmost respect for him."