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.

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

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