Myles Garrett's days of driving like Jeff Gordon appear to be over following his terrifying car crash earlier this week ... the Cleveland Browns star just said Monday's wreck was a serious "wake-up call" for him to drive safer.
Garrett spoke with media members at the Browns' facility on Friday for the first time since the accident -- and he explained he now knows he needs to slow down when he's behind the wheel.
"I think this will be definitely a wake-up call for me," said Garrett, who's been cited for speeding several times since being drafted by Cleveland in 2017.
"Just trying to be smart overall with driving. Don't take it for granted ... You know, just take my time."
He added, "This was definitely a call to me to be more safe with my driving and pay attention to my speed and my surroundings."
Myles Garrett Cited Over Car Crash, Cops Say Browns Star Appeared To Be Speeding
Garrett was hit with a citation for failure to control his car following Monday's accident, after he told authorities on the scene he was traveling 65 MPH in a 45 MPH zone.
But, he and his 23-year-old passenger fortunately escaped the wreck relatively unscathed. Garrett suffered just a shoulder sprain and a bicep strain in the crash -- and on Friday he said he's been feeling much better now.
In fact, the defensive end says there's a chance he plays against the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday.
Garrett added that he's grateful to be back around the team ... and told reporters he's "blessed to live another day."