Cleveland Browns fans call out Myles Garrett over team meeting behavior

In December 2024, Cleveland Browns fans expressed their outrage after the team's star player, Myles Garrett, was seen texting during a critical team meeting. The incident occurred amid a disappointing NFL season for the Browns, who were struggling with a record of 3-10. This was a stark contrast to the previous year when the team had made the playoffs, highlighting a significant decline in performance. The blame directed towards Garrett intensified the frustration amongst fans as the team faced questions about their commitment and efforts to win games. Fans voiced their opinions, with some calling for Garrett to be punished or even traded to another team as a response to his perceived lack of dedication. Interestingly, not all fans sided against Garrett, as some defended him, attributing his potential struggles to the overall poor performance of the team rather than his individual actions. The context of Garrett's behavior plays a vital role in understanding the fans' reactions. The Cleveland Browns are a team with a tumultuous history, often characterized by periods of disappointment and fleeting success. In the current season, the expectations were high, especially following the previous year's playoff run. As the team faltered, the fans looked for a scapegoat, and with Garrett being one of the most visible figures in the organization, he became an easy target. Social media reactions reflected a diverse range of sentiments — some fans expressed indignation over Garrett's actions, questioning his commitment to the team, while others highlighted his achievements on the field as evidence of his dedication to football despite the team's struggles. Garrett’s choice to engage with his phone instead of contributing to the team meeting was perceived as an affront to the team's spirit, especially given the bleak situation the Browns found themselves in. His actions were aired on the popular show 'Hard Knocks,' which chronicled the team's journey, adding to the visibility of the incident and amplifying the fan response. Fans took to social media with a flood of criticism, reinforcing a narrative that the star player was not taking the team's situation seriously. This diverging perspective on Garrett highlights the complex nature of fandom where admiration for a player's talent can quickly turn into harsh criticism over perceived lapses in behavior. Looking ahead, the Browns were set to face the Kansas City Chiefs, the top team in the NFL, which further heightened the stakes for Garrett and the entire team. As the season drew to a close, there was a sense among fans that the franchise had to re-evaluate its strategies and player commitments moving into the next season. The ongoing turmoil, coupled with mixed feelings about the team's players, especially Myles Garrett, showcases the passion and volatility inherent in sports fandom. Fans from all sides expressed their opinions, revealing the deep connection and expectations they have toward their team's performance and player conduct.