The NFL Defensive Player of the Year (DPOY) award, established in 1971 by the Associated Press, honours the league's most outstanding defensive player each season.
Decided by a panel of 50 AP sportswriters, it highlights the elite athletes who dominate on defence. Over the decades, some of the greatest legends of the game have claimed this award, from hard-hitting linebackers to shutdown corners and disruptive pass rushers.
Since 2011, the award has been presented at the NFL Honours ceremony alongside other prestigious accolades like MVP and Rookie of the Year.
Throughout the award's history, only a few players have managed to capture it multiple times, with legends like Lawrence Taylor, J.J. Watt, and Aaron Donald each winning it three times - a testament to their lasting impact under the demanding duress of an NFL career.
Taylor stands alone as the only rookie ever to win, while Watt achieved the rare feat of a unanimous selection in 2014. This article takes a glance into the history of every DPOY winner, celebrating who have defined NFL defence over the decades.
2023: Myles Garrett, Cleveland Browns - DE
2022: Nick Bosa, San Fransisco 49ers - DE
2021: T.J. Watt, Pittsburgh Steelers - OLB
2020: Aaron Donald, Los Angeles Rams - DT
2019: Stephon Gilmore, New England Patriots - CB
2018: Aaron Donald, Los Angeles Rams - DT
2017: Aaron Donald, Los Angeles Rams - DT
2016: Khalil Mack, Oakland Raiders - OLB
2015: J.J. Watt, Houston Texans - DE
2014: J.J. Watt, Houston Texans - DE
2013: Luke Kuechly, Carolina Panthers - ILB
2012: J.J. Watt, Houston Texans - DE
2011: Terrell Suggs, Baltimore Ravens - LOLB
2010: Tray Polamalu, Pittsburgh Steelers - SS
2009: Charles Woodson, Green Bay Packers - LCB
2008: James Harrison, Pittsburgh Steelers - ROLB
2007: Bob Sanders, Indianapolis Colts - DB
2006: Jason Taylor, Miami Dolphins - RDE
2005: Brian Urlacher, Chicago Bears - MLB
2004: Ed Reed, Baltimore Ravens - FS
2003: Ray Lewis, Baltimore Ravens - MLB
2002: Derrick Brooks, Tampa Bay Bucaneers - RLB
2001: Michael Strahan, New York Giants - LDE
2000: Ray Lewis, Baltimore Ravens - MLB
1999: Warren Sapp, Tampa Bay Bucaneers - RDT
1998: Reggie White, Green Bay Packers - LDE
1997: Dana Stubblefield, San Fransisco 49ers - RDT
1996: Bruce Smith, Buffalo Bills - RDE
1995: Bryce Paup, Buffalo Bills - LOLB
1994: Deion Sanders, San Fransisco 49ers - RCB
1993: Rod Woodson, Pittsburgh Steelers - DB
1992: Cortez Kennedy, Seattle Seahawks - RDT
1991: Pat Swilling, New Orleans Saints - ROLB
1990: Bruce Smith, Buffalo Bills - RDE
1989: Keith Millard, Minnesota Vikings - RDT
1988: Mike Singletary, Chicago Bears - MLB
1987: Reggie White, Philadelphia Eagles - LDE
1986: Lawrence Taylor, New York Giants - ROLB
1985: Mike Singletary, Chicago Bears - MLB
1984: Kenny Easley, Seattle Seahawks - SS
1983: Doug Betters, Miami Dolphins - LDE
1982: Lawrence Taylor, New York Giants - ROLB
1981: Lawrence Taylor, New York Giants - ROLB
1980: Lester Hayes, Oakland Raiders - LCB
1979: Lee Roy Selmon, Tampa Bay Bucaneers - RDE
1978: Randy Gradishar, Denver Broncos - RILB
1977: Harvey Martin, Dallas Cowboys - RDE
1976: Jack Lambert, Pittsburgh Steelers - MLB
1975: Mel Blount, Pittsburgh Steelers - RCB
1974: Joe Greene, Pittsburgh Steelers - LDT
1973: Dick Anderson, Miami Dolphins - SS
1972: Joe Greene, Pittsburgh Steelers - LDT
1971: Alan Page, Minnesota Vikings - RDT