AP NFL Defensive Player of the Year Award Winners
Below is a list of past winners of the AP NFL Defensive Player of the Year award.
| Year | Winner |
|---|---|
| 2024 | Patrick Surtain II, Broncos |
| 2023 | Myles Garrett, Browns |
| 2022 | Nick Bosa, 49ers |
| 2021 | T.J. Watt, Steelers |
| 2020 | Aaron Donald, Rams |
| 2019 | Stephon Gilmore, Patriots |
| 2018 | Aaron Donald, Rams |
| 2017 | Aaron Donald, Rams |
| 2016 | Khalil Mack, Raiders |
| 2015 | J.J. Watt, Texans |
| 2014 | J.J. Watt, Texans |
| 2013 | Luke Kuechly, Panthers |
| 2012 | J.J. Watt, Texans |
| 2011 | Terrell Suggs, Ravens |
| 2010 | Troy Polamalu, Steelers |
| 2009 | Charles Woodson, Packers |
| 2008 | James Harrison, Steelers |
| 2007 | Bob Sanders, Colts |
| 2006 | Jason Taylor, Dolphins |
| 2005 | Brian Urlacher, Bears |
| 2004 | Ed Reed, Ravens |
| 2003 | Ray Lewis, Ravens |
| 2002 | Derrick Brooks, Bucs |
| 2001 | Michael Strahan, Giants |
| 2000 | Ray Lewis, Ravens |
| 1999 | Warren Sapp, Bucs |
| 1998 | Reggie White, Packers |
| 1997 | Dana Stubblefield, 49ers |
| 1996 | Bruce Smith, Bills |
| 1995 | Bryce Paup, Bills |
| 1994 | Deion Sanders, 49ers |
| 1993 | Rod Woodson, Steelers |
| 1992 | Cortez Kennedy, Seahawks |
| 1991 | Pat Swilling, Saints |
| 1990 | Bruce Smith, Bills |
| 1989 | Keith Millard, Vikings |
| 1988 | Mike Singletary, Bears |
| 1987 | Reggie White, Eagles |
| 1986 | Lawrence Taylor, Giants |
| 1985 | Mike Singletary, Bears |
| 1984 | Kenny Easley, Seahawks |
| 1983 | Doug Betters, Dolphins |
| 1982 | Lawrence Taylor, Giants |
| 1981 | Lawrence Taylor, Giants |
| 1980 | Lester Hayes, Raiders |
| 1979 | Lee Roy Selmon, Bucs |
| 1978 | Randy Gradishar, Broncos |
| 1977 | Harvey Martin, Cowboys |
| 1976 | Jack Lambert, Steelers |
| 1975 | Mel Blount, Steelers |
| 1974 | Joe Greene, Steelers |
| 1973 | Dick Anderson, Dolphins |
| 1972 | Joe Greene, Steelers |
| 1971 | Alan Page, Vikings |