BEREA, Ohio — Cleveland Browns defensive end Myles Garrett stood at a podium at the team's facility in Berea on Friday with some noticeable bumps and bruises, including a blood-filled left eye.
Four days earlier, Garrett and a female passenger were involved in a car crash in Medina County when his Porsche 911 flipped multiple times after the All-Pro defensive end lost control of the vehicle.
In addition to his bumps and bruises, the 26-year-old suffered a shoulder sprain and biceps strain as the result of the crash, which he was cited for by the Ohio State Highway Patrol. His passenger suffered a "minor head injury."
Speaking to reporters on Friday, Garrett -- who Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski said will be a "game-time decision" for Sunday's matchup vs. the Atlanta Falcons after not practicing all week -- addressed the crash. The Texas A&M product admitted that he felt lucky to be alive and believes that he had a guardian angel watching over him to prevent something worse from happening.
"I had a family member just recently pass away who I know was watching over me," Garrett said. "He just joined his wife and I know that they are very happy to see me come out that car and be able to walk out under my own power. It's just a blessing to have them watching over me now."
Garrett's accident has also brought into view his driving history, which has included him being stopped for speeding seven times in Northeast Ohio since being selected by the Browns with the No. 1 pick in the 2017 NFL Draft, including citations of driving more than 100 miles per hour twice in a 24-hour window last year. On Friday, the three-time Pro Bowl selection admitted that Monday's crash was a "wake-up" call regarding his driving habits and reiterated that he's fortunate the accident didn't result in a worse outcome.
As for his health, Garrett said he's improving -- the blood in his eye is the result of a popped blood vessel -- and expressed a desire to play against the Falcons on Sunday. Ultimately, however, he said that it will be up to the Browns' medical and coaching staff to determine whether or not he takes the field.
"That's up to the training staff and the coaches," Garrett said. "If it were up to me, I'd love to go. That's just my competitive spirit and my nature."