NFL stars like Myles Garrett don’t reach the peak of their game alone. Behind every highlight reel is a team of experts dedicated to fine-tuning their bodies for optimal performance. For Garrett, the Cleveland Browns All-Pro, his wellness team plays a crucial role in his success on the field.
Four years ago, Garrett made the decision to enlist a wellness-focused team to shape his off-season training. Led by co-GM Mike Mancias, who is also LeBron James’ chief performance advisor, and physical therapist and biomechanist Vinh Pham, along with athletic performance coach Brian Buck, Garrett’s team has been instrumental in his success.
Buck, a former professional baseball player turned athletic performance coach, has been working with Garrett for three years. They spend five mornings a week together during the NFL off-season, following a specific training plan designed collaboratively with the wellness team.
Garrett’s results speak for themselves, with at least 12 sacks in each of the past four seasons and being named the league’s Defensive Player of the Year in 2023. Additionally, he has managed to stay largely injury-free, playing in 58 of 59 games over the last three seasons. This consistency is a testament to the hard work put in by Garrett and his team.
In a recent interview, Buck shared insights into training Garrett as he prepares for his eighth NFL season. He highlighted Garrett’s natural athletic abilities and his incredible recovery and adaptation skills. Buck emphasized the importance of incorporating full-body movements into Garrett’s training, moving away from traditional isolation exercises towards strength work that mimics in-game scenarios.
The training phases throughout the off-season are crucial for Garrett’s development. They start with a general physical preparedness phase to build structural components and address any imbalances. This is followed by higher-demand strength work to push Garrett’s system to exert maximum force. Finally, the focus shifts to velocity, power, and chaotic elements to prepare Garrett for the demands of the game.
One key area of focus for Garrett’s training has been his core stability. Buck emphasized the importance of maintaining rigidity in the lumbopelvic region to prevent injuries and enhance performance. Through tempo, pausing, and uneven loads, they challenge Garrett’s trunk stability and rigidity, which has proven to be beneficial for his overall performance.
Even during the season, Buck continues to monitor Garrett’s progress, traveling to games and providing feedback on his performance. Data collection, including sleep monitoring with the Oura Ring, plays a crucial role in ensuring Garrett’s recovery and performance remain optimal throughout the season.
Garrett’s ability to maintain intensity in the fourth quarter and his dedication to maintaining aerobic capacity and cardiovascular health set him apart from other elite defensive ends in the league. With a dedicated wellness team and a rigorous training regimen, Garrett is poised for continued success in the NFL.
