With NFL Pundits and media speculating on the DPoY award winner for the 2023 season, the players with high expectations will be on everybody's radar. The award will be handed out in early 2024.
The 2023 season sees TJ Watt (Pittsburgh Steelers), Myles Garett (Cleveland Browns), and Micah Parsons (Dallas Cowboys) with the best odds of winning it this year.
A defensive player's portfolio primarily features sacks, interceptions, pass deflections, and tackles. Only the top performers have the opportunity to win the DPoY trophy.
This award is provided by the Associated Press like the Coach of the Year. Rolled out for the first time in 1971, votes are gathered from a panel of 50 AP Sports writers. The athlete that gets the majority of votes eventually becomes the victor.
DT Alan Page received the first trophy for his excellent 1971 season. The recent winner to get the honors is the 49ers' Nick Bosa.
Here is the list of the past 20 DPoy winners that marked an electrifying season in their winning year.
As the sack leader of the 2022 season (18.5), the San Francisco 49ers Defensive Lineman Nick Bosa showcased a monstrous performance last year. Bosa's 18.5 sacks are only second to Aldon Smith's 19.5 in the franchise history.
Bosa played 16 games and started all of them. Along with sacks, the DE made 41 solo tackles, 51 combined, and 48 QB hits.
His powerful edge-rushing abilities helped the 49ers gain the No. 1 defense in 2022. They became the highest-scoring defense (16.3 points per game) and interceptions (20).
The younger sibling of Chargers' Joey Bosa who was drafted in the first round, Nick had great expectations since Day 1.
The DE received 46 votes and outscored Micah Parsons and Chris Jones for the DPoY honors. He also played in the Pro Bowl and got selected in the All-Pro team.
The brother of Texans legend JJ Watt, TJ has become a successful defensive player in the 2020s. Watt won the 2021 DPoY for his impressive defense and leading the sacks department.
With 22.5 sacks, Watt tied the Hall of Famer Micheal Strahan's record. Meanwhile, he broke the Steelers record (16) that was previously made by James Harrison in the 2008 season.
What's more interesting is that TJ became the second player to accumulate 20+ sacks in 14 games or less. His sack record of 2021 also put him as the 12th athlete to create at least 20 sacks.
TJ also exploded in the tackle department, making 64 combined tackles, and 48 solo ones, and led the League in Tackle for Loss (21).
With the DPoy honors, TJ Watt joined the elite club of 6 legendary former Steelers players who received such a trophy. He also became the fourth-highest sack-maker in the Steelers history.
A nine-time Pro Bowler and HOF All-2010s Team member, Donald got his third DPoY trophy for his fabulous defensive game in the 2020 season.
Donning the iconic 99, Aaron displayed his monstrous physique and powerful tackles during the 16 matches for LA Rams. He registered 13.5 sacks and 45 combined tackles.
His sack record was No. 2 for 2020, while he led the League in QB pressure (76). He also had the sixth-highest Tackle for Loss (14) and fourth-highest QB hits (28).
A big threat for any offensive lineman, Donald has the capability of rampaging through the pocket like no big deal.
Donald became the third person in NFL history to win three DPoY awards after JJ Watt and Joe Greene. He edged out TJ Watt in the votes by 27-20.
A South Carolina graduate, Cornerback Stephon Gilmore exploded in his 2019 season with league-high pass deflections (20) and tied league-high interceptions (6).
Shutting one side of the field completely, Gilmore assisted his franchise to become the No. 2 defense in the NFL with 275.9 yards allowed per game and 25 INTs.
Gilmore became the sixth CB in the league to receive the DPoY honors. Charles Hoodson, Lester Hayes, Rod Woodson, Deion Sanders, and Mel Blount are the only other CBs to own this trophy.
Moreover, Stephen is the first New England Patriots player to get this award.
The CB got 21 votes and edged out other top players like Shaq Barrett, TJ Watt, Daniel Hunter, and Chandler Jones to receive the prestigious AP honor.
Aaron Donald established the League's highest sacks in the 2018 season (20.5 sacks). His record is the highest made by any DT in the League's history.
Such a sack record by the Defensive Tackle position was unheard of, and Donald revolutionized the defensive rushing game quite well. His sack record is also the fourth-highest in a single-season category in the last 25 years.
In 2018, Donald also led the NFL in Tackles for Loss (25), QB Hits (41), and QB pressure (73). Aaron's defensive capabilities was a big threat to each of the offensive line they faced.
He also won the DPoy in the 2017 season and registered as the third player in the NFL to win two trophies consecutively. JJ Watt and Lawrence Taylor are the other record holders.
Rams Defensive Lineman won his first DPoy for his excellent performances in the 2017 season. Aaron Donald's defensive power helped the Rams win the NFC West title.
Accumulating 11.5 sacks, 41 total tackles, and 5 Forced Fumbles, Donald was in great form that year.
Although Aaron played in the DT position where it is difficult to build solid stat figures, that did not deter Donald from wreaking havoc on the offense's pocket.
Pro Football Focus rated the DT as the best productive pass rusher, while PFF also gave him an impressive 99.7 grade.
Moreover, the 6'1 280 pound DT performed consistently despite changing the defense schemes midway due to the entry of Coordinator Wade Philips.
A dangerous edge rusher for the Oakland Raiders, Khalil Mack displayed a powerful performance in the 2016 season with 11 sacks and 73 tackles (54 being solo ones).
Mack started slow, gathering only 1 sack in the first 5 fixtures, but he exploded in the next 8 games from mid-October to December. The 6'1 Florida native gave anxiety to the OL every time he got into position.
The athlete was a dominant figure in Oakland's defense since he accounted for 44% of their sacks and had the second-highest QB hits behind Aaron Donald, i.e. 26.
Due to defensive dominance, Mack successfully captured the vote against other top players like Von Miller, Landon Collins, and Aaron Donald. He edged out Miller by a mere one vote.
JJ Watt bagged his third DPoy award for his great defense at the Houston Texans. The DE showcased a season-high 17.5 sacks and 29 Tackles for Loss from 16 games.
Moreover, Watt was also the leader for most QB hits (50) and Pass Defenced (8) that year. Making records after records, it was only fair that the Wisconsin native would get the 2015 honors.
With a 17.5-sack record, JJ made his way alongside legendary Reggie White for making 17 sacks or more in 3 seasons. Likewise, his 101 QB hits accumulated then was the most for any defensive player.
Watt's powerful edge rushing abilities propelled the Texans to a winning season of 9-7, and they were able to clinch the AFC South title.
The Texans Ring of Honor member JJ Watt received his second AP DPoY honors for his role in the 2014 season. He is one of the only two athletes who received consecutive DPoY trophies.
A ferocious edge rusher for the Texans, Watt displayed an impressive 20.5 sacks for the team. He was a menace to the opponent QBs with 44 hits and 54 hurries. This figure showed his defensive supremacy since the second-best QB hit was at 21.
Moreover, the Texans DE showcased his double-digit sacks even when the franchise adopted a 3-4 DE formation, where it is difficult to perform a good number of sacks.
He also accumulated 78 combined tackles and made 4 Forced Fumbles and 5 recoveries.
Aka Captain America, the Carolina Panthers Linebacker Kuchely received the AP Defensive Player of the Year trophy for his excellent 2013 season. Luke made 4 interceptions that year.
Kuchely was voted No. 1 due to his overall defensive play as the Mike. His run defense and pass coverage were a sight to behold for any Panthers fan. He defended 7 passes and created 156 total tackles.
The MLB has also rewarded the trophy for his great contribution to the Panthers' defense made a 12-4 finish. His leadership in the field helped the Panthers win the NFC South division.
The Texans DL made a powerful statement in his second NFL year by accumulating a season-high 20.5 sacks. His dominant performance helped him receive 49 votes and was ultimately declared the 2012 DPoY.
Watt was a juggernaut in the 2012 season against the QBs, making 16 pass breakups. This record tied with the former legend Ed Reed.
His combined tackles were also more than Von Miller and Aldon Smith, the other top DL that year.
The 6'5 player, aka The Milkman, made 42 Tackles for Loss in the entire season. He received the AFC Defensive Player of the Month in December and helped his franchise clinch the AFC South title with a 12-4 record.
Nicknamed Hacksaw, the 6'3 Ravens Linebacker had a rampaging season in 2011 with 14 sacks, 70 tackles, and 23 QB hits from 16 games. He also led the League in Forced Fumbles (7).
A fearsome hybrid LB player, T-Sizzle was a powerhouse in the defensive field. He defended 6 passes, had 2 Interceptions, and got 20 Tackles for loss.
With him in the defense, the Ravens captured the AFC North title that year, making a 12-4 finish. They also allowed the third-fewest points in the NFL, i.e. 266 points.
Ravens coach John Harbough also stated that Suggs was a hard-working individual who studied the offensive side before going against them.
Pittsburgh Steelers Hall of Honor member Troy Polmalu had a solid 2010 season with 7 interceptions and 1 defensive TD. Polmalu received 17 votes, edging out Packers' Clay Matthews by only 2 votes.
The Defensive Back defended 11 passes that year and made 63 combined tackles from 14 matches. His Forced Fumble against the Baltimore Ravens at the end-season game resulted in them winning the AFC North title.
Troy was regarded as a great secondary by his teammates. LB James Harrison stated that Troy had the power to bring a C-grade defense to an A-graded version.
Charles Woodson became the second Packers player to win the DPoY award in the 2009 season for his brilliant performance. He received 28 votes.
The Cornerback made a season-high record in interceptions (9), and Defensive TDs (3). He also registered as the first NFL player to make an INT, sack, and 2 FF in a single match.
It was Woodson's twelfth NFL season, and the veteran used his experience well to defend 18 passes and create 4 Forced Fumbles. He also established 74 combined tackles, with 66 being solo ones.
With his aid, the Packers were a formidable force, ranking second overall in the defense category. The franchise also ranked No. 1 in interceptions and turnover margins.
With the League's highest number of Forced Fumbles (7), LB James Harrison made a huge mark in the Steelers' defense during the 2008 season. The AP sportswriters gave him 22 of 50 votes.
He also accumulated an impressive 16 sacks and 101 combined tackles from 15 games. Harrison helped the Steelers become the top-ranked in the pass defense, allowed points, and overall defense.
With him in the LB role, the Pittsburgh Steelers finished 12-4 that year. They went on to win the Super Bowl against the Arizona Cardinals.
Harrison's iconic moment came during this Super Bowl matchup, where he made a pick-six at the end of the second quarter.
A great Defensive Back for the Indianapolis Colts, Bob Sanders garnered 97 tackles for the team in the 2007 season. He also made 2 interceptions and had 6 passes defended.
Playing 15 games that season, Sanders made the Colts a dominant defense with No. 3 rank. The franchise also allowed the fewest points (262) and clinched the AFC South division with a 13-3 record.
A player who was a menace to the offensive ball carriers, Coach Tony Dungy nicknamed him The Eraser.
Sanders received 31 votes and edged out other top opponents like Mike Vrabel, Antonio Cromartie, and James Harrison.
Jason Taylor dominated the 2006 season with his destructive pass and rush defense. Miami Dolphins saw their star win the DPoY after Doug Betters received it back in 1983.
The DE garnered 13.5 sacks and 14 QB hurries from 16 regular season games. Moreover, he also led the League in interceptions (2) and returned them both for 2 TDs.
Although the Dolphins had a losing 6-10 record in 2006, Jason showcased an impactful presence in the defense zone. He also made season-high forced fumbles (9), making him a great takeaway defender.
The Dolphins DE got 22 votes and won over other top contenders like Champ Bailey, Shawne Merriman, Ray Lewis, and Brian Urlacher.
The Chicago Bears LB Brian Urlacher became the 2005 DPoy for assisting the franchise in creating a strong defense. Brian made 122 combined tackles, 6 sacks, and 1 forced fumble.
Urlacher also made 17 Tackles for Loss and defended 5 passes in the 2006 season. His full-field coverage plays and staggering tackles paved the path to gaining the ultimate defensive trophy.
That year, the Bears recorded for the fewest points allowed (202). They also had the best turnover ranking in the NFC.
With his defense performance, the Chicago franchise bounced back from the losing 2004 season to an 11-5 finish. They clinched the NFC North title.
The LB crossed the finish line for the AP honors with 34 votes, with Dwight Freeney following close behind.
Ed Reed was a powerhouse for the Baltimore Ravens during the 2004 season. His dominance in the defensive backfield earned the DPoy trophy. He became the first Safety to get it in 20 years.
The Safety made the League's highest number of interceptions (9) and conducted 1 pick-six. His TD came against the Cleveland Browns where he rushed for 106 yards.
This pick-six was an iconic moment for Reed, and it got registered in the NFL record book too. TE Aaron Shea was deep into the end zone, but after a deflection, Ed snatched the ball and ran through the right sideline.
He also established the season-high 358 yards from the defensive return. He defended 17 passes, made 3 forced fumbles, and had 78 combined tackles.
His teammate and former DPoy winner Ray Lewis also stated that Reed deserved the trophy.
The Baltimore Ravens Linebacker Ray Lewis became the Defensive Player of the Year after making 163 tackles and 6 interceptions. He also played in the Pro Bowl and got selected in the All-Pro team.
Nicknamed Sugar, Lewis played 16 games in the regular season and returned 1 TD after an INT. He had 14 passes defended and 2 forced fumbles too. An explosive force in the field, Ray displayed his power through 121 solo tackles.
With him on the team's starting defense, the Ravens clinched their first AFC North title and finished the season with a 10-6 record.
The 6'1 LB received 43 votes, while other players such as Roy Williams and Rodney Harrison only got single-digit votes.
The 2003 award was his second one; his first being the 2000 season.
