For defensive players in the NFL, their top award is the NFL Defensive Player of the Year. While the NFL MVP award is the sport’s most prestigious individual award and attracts the most attention, it’s completely dominated by offensive players (especially quarterbacks).

The Minnesota Vikings’ defense made significant strides in 2024, ranking third in EPA per play and fifth in points allowed. They also led the league with 33 takeaways, 24 of which were interceptions.

Neither Pittsburgh Steelers star T.J. Watt or his Cleveland counterpart, Myles Garrett, took home Defensive Player of the Year honors in 2024.

Garrett finished in third place in NFL Defensive Player of the Year voting this season. Garrett did, however, once again finish with more first-place votes than Pittsburgh Steelers’ pass rusher T.J. Watt. Overall, Garrett finished with a total of 162 votes: five first-place votes, 11 second-place votes, and 12 third-place votes among them.

Denver Broncos cornerback Patrick Surtain II won the AP NFL defensive player of the year award with 26 first-place votes.

In the midst of an explosive trade request, will Browns star Myles Garrett take home his second straight NFL Defensive Player of the Year award at NFL Honors? Here's how you can stream the show.

Pat Surtain II of the Denver Broncos won the Defensive Player of the Year honors on Thursday at the NFL Honors ceremony.

Broncos cornerback Pat Surtain II became the second player in team history to win defensive player of the year. He joined Hall of Fame linebacker Randy Gradishar (1978) in earning the award. Von Miller finished second in voting for the award in 2012 and 2016 when he was with the Broncos,