Editing AP NFL Defensive Player of the Year

{{Short description|American football award given by the Associated Press}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=December 2024}}
{{for|similar awards by other publications|List of NFL Defensive Player of the Year awards}}
{{Infobox sports award
| name        = AP NFL Defensive Player of the Year
| image       = Patrick Surtain 2021 (51650411936) (cropped).jpg
| alt         =
| caption     = [[Denver Broncos]] cornerback [[Patrick Surtain II]], 2024 recipient
| givenfor    = Defensive player of the year in the [[NFL]]
| presenter   = [[Associated Press]]
| first       = 1971
| mostwins    = [[Lawrence Taylor]]<br />[[J. J. Watt]]<br />[[Aaron Donald]]<br />(3 each)
| mostrecent  = [[Patrick Surtain II]]
| url         = <!-- {{URL|example.com}} -->
}}

The '''AP NFL Defensive Player of the Year (DPOY)''' is an annual award presented by the [[Associated Press]] (AP) to the [[Defense (sports)|defensive]] player in the [[National Football League]] (NFL) deemed to have had the most outstanding season. It has been awarded since 1971. The winner is decided by votes from a panel of 50 AP sportswriters.  Since 2011, the award has been presented at the annual [[NFL Honors]] ceremony the day before the [[Super Bowl]], along with other AP awards, such as the [[AP NFL Offensive Player of the Year award]], [[AP NFL Most Valuable Player award]], and [[AP NFL Rookie of the Year award]]. The most recent winner of the AP Defensive Player of the Year award is [[cornerback]] [[Patrick Surtain II]] of the [[Denver Broncos]].

[[Lawrence Taylor]], [[J. J. Watt]], and [[Aaron Donald]]  are the only three-time winners of the award.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Wesseling|first1=Chris|title=J.J Watt wins third Defensive Player of Year award|url=https://www.nfl.com/news/j-j-watt-wins-third-defensive-player-of-year-award-0ap3000000633340|website=NFL.com|publisher=NFL|access-date=July 11, 2016|date=February 6, 2016}}</ref> [[Joe Greene]], [[Ray Lewis]], [[Mike Singletary]], [[Bruce Smith (defensive end)|Bruce Smith]], and [[Reggie White]] have each won it twice. Taylor is the only player to win the award as a [[rookie]], doing so in 1981.<ref>{{cite book|last1=Lewis|first1=Michael|title=The Blind Side: Evolution of a Game|date=2007|publisher=W. W. Norton & Company|isbn=978-0393066227|page=17|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=jeVS4jRjSlQC&pg=PA17|access-date=July 6, 2017}}</ref> In 2008, [[James Harrison (American football)|James Harrison]] became the only [[undrafted free agent]] to win the award.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Kremer|first1=Andrea|title=Ageless Steelers star James Harrison strives to be like his father|url=https://www.nfl.com/news/ageless-steelers-star-james-harrison-strives-to-be-like-his-fat-0ap3000000771303|access-date=October 23, 2017|work=NFL.com|date=January 8, 2017|archive-date=June 14, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200614054128/https://www.nfl.com/news/ageless-steelers-star-james-harrison-strives-to-be-like-his-fat-0ap3000000771303|url-status=live}}</ref> White is the only player to win the award with two different teams, winning in 1987 with the [[Philadelphia Eagles]] and again with the [[Green Bay Packers]] in 1998.<ref name=White2/> J. J. Watt is the only player to win the award unanimously, receiving 50 out of 50 first place votes in 2014.<ref name=Watt2/> He was also a near-unanimous winner in 2012 as he earned 49 out of 50 votes.<ref name=Watt2/>

As of the end of the 2024 NFL season, [[linebackers]] have won the award seventeen times, more than any other position. A [[defensive end]] has won fifteen times, followed by ten [[defensive tackles]], seven [[cornerbacks]], and five [[Safety (American football position)|safeties]]. Only two winners of the AP Defensive Player of the Year award have also won the AP's Most Valuable Player award for the same season: defensive tackle [[Alan Page]] in 1971 for the [[Minnesota Vikings]] and linebacker Lawrence Taylor in 1986 for the [[New York Giants]].<ref>{{cite news|last1=Corry |first1=Joel |title=Who deserves the NFL MVP award? |access-date=July 6, 2017 |work=National Football Post |date=December 30, 2014 |url=http://www.nationalfootballpost.com/Who-deserves-the-NFL-MVP-award.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150201231638/http://www.nationalfootballpost.com/Who-deserves-the-NFL-MVP-award.html |archive-date=February 1, 2015 }}</ref>

==Winners==
[[File:Willie Parker and Cedric Wilson.jpg|thumb|350px|[[Ray Lewis]] (No. 52) and [[Terrell Suggs]] (No. 55) each won the award playing for the [[Baltimore Ravens]].]]

{|class="wikitable sortable plainrowheaders"
|+ List of AP NFL Defensive Player of the Year winners
!scope="col"|Season
!scope="col"|Player
!scope="col"|Position
!scope="col"|Team
!scope="col" class="unsortable"|{{Ref.}}
|-
|[[1971 NFL season|1971]]
!scope="row"|{{sortname|Alan|Page}}
|[[Defensive tackle]]||[[Minnesota Vikings]] ||<ref>{{cite news|title=Alan Page 'Hurrys' to Defensive Award|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1873&dat=19720107&id=qE8fAAAAIBAJ&pg=2426,1952035&hl=en|access-date=July 11, 2016|work=Daytona Beach Morning Journal|agency=Associated Press|date=January 7, 1972|page=14|archive-date=April 14, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230414214338/https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1873&dat=19720107&id=qE8fAAAAIBAJ&pg=2426,1952035&hl=en|url-status=live}}</ref>
|-
|[[1972 NFL season|1972]]
!scope="row"|{{sortname|Joe|Greene}}
|[[Defensive tackle]]||[[Pittsburgh Steelers]] ||<ref>{{cite news|last1=Mihoces|first1=Gary|title=Joe Greene Defensive Player of the Year|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1982&dat=19730104&id=Ae5GAAAAIBAJ&pg=6099,813775&hl=en|access-date=July 11, 2016|work=The Evening News|agency=Associated Press|date=January 5, 1973|page=6B|archive-date=April 23, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210423193144/https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1982&dat=19730104&id=Ae5GAAAAIBAJ&pg=6099%2C813775&hl=en|url-status=live}}</ref>
|-
|[[1973 NFL season|1973]]
!scope="row"|{{sortname|Dick|Anderson}}
|[[Safety (gridiron football position)|Safety]]||[[Miami Dolphins]] ||<ref>{{cite news|title=Buffalo's Simpson, Dolphins' Anderson Named Top Gridders|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1876&dat=19740104&id=xYAsAAAAIBAJ&pg=6932,559918&hl=en|access-date=July 11, 2016|work=Herald-Journal|agency=Associated Press|date=January 4, 1974|page=B4|archive-date=April 14, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230414214335/https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1876&dat=19740104&id=xYAsAAAAIBAJ&pg=6932,559918&hl=en|url-status=live}}</ref>
|-
|[[1974 NFL season|1974]]
!scope="row"|{{sortname|Joe|Greene}} {{small|(2)}} 
|[[Defensive tackle]]||[[Pittsburgh Steelers]] ||<ref>{{cite news|title=Defensive Honor Goes To 'Mean' Joe Greene|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1755&dat=19750108&id=IrEqAAAAIBAJ&pg=1432,3041106&hl=en|access-date=July 11, 2016|work=Sarasota Herald-Tribune|agency=Associated Press|date=January 8, 1975|page=1C|archive-date=April 23, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210423193213/https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1755&dat=19750108&id=IrEqAAAAIBAJ&pg=1432%2C3041106&hl=en|url-status=live}}</ref>
|-
|[[1975 NFL season|1975]]
!scope="row"|{{sortname|Mel|Blount}}
|[[Cornerback]]||[[Pittsburgh Steelers]] ||<ref>{{cite news|title=Pittsburgh's Mel Blount Is Top Player|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=2202&dat=19760109&id=NHElAAAAIBAJ&pg=2513,3321965&hl=en|access-date=July 11, 2016|work=Gettysburg Times|agency=Associated Press|date=January 9, 1976|page=11|archive-date=April 14, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230414215103/https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=2202&dat=19760109&id=NHElAAAAIBAJ&pg=2513,3321965&hl=en|url-status=live}}</ref>
|-
|[[1976 NFL season|1976]]
!scope="row"|{{sortname|Jack|Lambert|Jack Lambert (American football)}} 
|[[Linebacker]]||[[Pittsburgh Steelers]] ||<ref>{{cite news|title=Lambert defense winner|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1817&dat=19761229&id=QG00AAAAIBAJ&pg=6763,5474258&hl=en|access-date=July 11, 2016|work=The Tuscaloosa News|agency=Associated Press|date=December 29, 1976|page=15|archive-date=April 14, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230414214336/https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1817&dat=19761229&id=QG00AAAAIBAJ&pg=6763,5474258&hl=en|url-status=live}}</ref>
|-
|[[1977 NFL season|1977]]
!scope="row"|{{sortname|Harvey|Martin}}
|[[Defensive end]]||[[Dallas Cowboys]] ||<ref>{{cite news|title=Martin Named As Top Defensive Player|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1665&dat=19780105&id=TD5PAAAAIBAJ&pg=5955,458123&hl=en|access-date=July 11, 2016|work=The Times-News|agency=Associated Press|date=January 5, 1978|page=16|archive-date=April 14, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230414214333/https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1665&dat=19780105&id=TD5PAAAAIBAJ&pg=5955,458123&hl=en|url-status=live}}</ref>
|-
|[[1978 NFL season|1978]]
!scope="row"|{{sortname|Randy|Gradishar}}
|[[Linebacker]]||[[Denver Broncos]] ||<ref>{{cite news|title=Broncos' Gradishar Wins Award|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1346&dat=19790112&id=kmxNAAAAIBAJ&pg=5858,3539346&hl=en|access-date=July 11, 2016|work=Lakeland Ledger|agency=Associated Press|date=January 12, 1979|page=1D|archive-date=April 14, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230414215059/https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1346&dat=19790112&id=kmxNAAAAIBAJ&pg=5858,3539346&hl=en|url-status=live}}</ref>
|-
|[[1979 NFL season|1979]]
!scope="row"|{{sortname|Lee Roy|Selmon}}
|[[Defensive end]]||[[Tampa Bay Buccaneers]] ||<ref>{{cite news|title=Lee Roy Selmon of Tampa defensive player of year|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1915&dat=19791221&id=6fkgAAAAIBAJ&pg=1333,4170040&hl=en|access-date=July 11, 2016|work=The Day|agency=Associated Press|date=December 21, 1979|page=34|archive-date=August 24, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210824214730/https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1915&dat=19791221&id=6fkgAAAAIBAJ&pg=1333,4170040&hl=en|url-status=live}}</ref>
|-
|[[1980 NFL season|1980]]
!scope="row"|{{sortname|Lester|Hayes}}
|[[Cornerback]]||[[Oakland Raiders]] ||<ref>{{cite news|last1=Lowitt|first1=Bruce|title=Lester Hayes picks off defensive player award|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=2002&dat=19810108&id=gF0tAAAAIBAJ&pg=5241,1304032&hl=en|access-date=July 11, 2016|work=Beaver County Times|agency=Associated Press|date=January 8, 1981|page=B-1|archive-date=April 14, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230414214345/https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=2002&dat=19810108&id=gF0tAAAAIBAJ&pg=5241,1304032&hl=en|url-status=live}}</ref>
|-
|[[1981 NFL season|1981]]
!scope="row"|{{sortname|Lawrence|Taylor}}
|[[Linebacker]]||[[New York Giants]] ||<ref name=LT>{{cite news|title=Taylor 1st rookie to be Defensive Player of Year|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=950&dat=19820108&id=wcNaAAAAIBAJ&pg=6954,1749435&hl=en|access-date=July 11, 2016|work=The Evening Independent|agency=Associated Press|date=January 8, 1982|page=4-C|archive-date=April 14, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230414214334/https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=950&dat=19820108&id=wcNaAAAAIBAJ&pg=6954,1749435&hl=en|url-status=live}}</ref>
|-
|[[1982 NFL season|1982]]
!scope="row"|{{sortname|Lawrence|Taylor}} {{small|(2)}} 
|[[Linebacker]]||[[New York Giants]] ||<ref>{{cite news|title=Defensive player honors go to Taylor once more|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1314&dat=19830108&id=2PhLAAAAIBAJ&pg=3847,3155801&hl=en|access-date=July 11, 2016|work=The Spokesman-Review|agency=Associated Press|date=January 8, 1983|page=15|archive-date=April 14, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230414215102/https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1314&dat=19830108&id=2PhLAAAAIBAJ&pg=3847,3155801&hl=en|url-status=live}}</ref>
|-
|[[1983 NFL season|1983]]
!scope="row"|{{sortname|Doug|Betters}}
|[[Defensive end]]||[[Miami Dolphins]] ||<ref>{{cite news|title=Miami's Betters Named Defensive Player Of Year|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1755&dat=19831223&id=AD4gAAAAIBAJ&pg=6394,2104184&hl=en|access-date=July 11, 2016|work=Sarasota Herald-Tribune|agency=Associated Press|date=December 23, 1983|page=14B|archive-date=April 14, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230414214336/https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1755&dat=19831223&id=AD4gAAAAIBAJ&pg=6394,2104184&hl=en|url-status=live}}</ref>
|-
|[[1984 NFL season|1984]]
!scope="row"|{{sortname|Kenny|Easley}}
|[[Safety (gridiron football position)|Safety]]||[[Seattle Seahawks]] ||<ref>{{cite news|title=Seahawks' Easley top defender|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1979&dat=19841211&id=V5AiAAAAIBAJ&pg=5212,8580207&hl=en|access-date=July 11, 2016|work=The Sumter Daily Item|agency=Associated Press|date=December 19, 1984|page=2C|archive-date=April 14, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230414215106/https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1979&dat=19841211&id=V5AiAAAAIBAJ&pg=5212,8580207&hl=en|url-status=live}}</ref>
|-
|[[1985 NFL season|1985]]
!scope="row"|{{sortname|Mike|Singletary}}
|[[Linebacker]]||[[Chicago Bears]] ||<ref>{{cite news|title=Chicago's Singletary gets defensive honor|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1298&dat=19851231&id=DfpNAAAAIBAJ&pg=2495,5048303&hl=en|access-date=July 11, 2016|work=The Free Lance-Star|agency=Associated Press|date=December 31, 1985|page=9|archive-date=April 14, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230414214333/https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1298&dat=19851231&id=DfpNAAAAIBAJ&pg=2495,5048303&hl=en|url-status=live}}</ref>
|-
|[[1986 NFL season|1986]]
!scope="row"|{{sortname|Lawrence|Taylor}} {{small|(3)}}
|[[Linebacker]]||[[New York Giants]] ||<ref name="LT3">{{cite news|title=Taylor sweeps post-season honors|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1298&dat=19861231&id=L-BLAAAAIBAJ&pg=2803,5343347&hl=en|access-date=July 11, 2016|work=The Free Lance-Star|agency=Associated Press|date=December 31, 1986|page=14|archive-date=April 14, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230414214347/https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1298&dat=19861231&id=L-BLAAAAIBAJ&pg=2803,5343347&hl=en|url-status=live}}</ref>
|-
|[[1987 NFL season|1987]]
!scope="row"|{{sortname|Reggie|White}}
|[[Defensive end]]||[[Philadelphia Eagles]] ||<ref>{{cite news|title=White named top defensive player|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1916&dat=19871231&id=_ipJAAAAIBAJ&pg=5621,5147074&hl=en|access-date=July 11, 2016|work=The Hour|agency=Associated Press|date=December 31, 1987|page=25|archive-date=April 14, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230414215131/https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1916&dat=19871231&id=_ipJAAAAIBAJ&pg=5621,5147074&hl=en|url-status=live}}</ref>
|-
|[[1988 NFL season|1988]]
!scope="row"|{{sortname|Mike|Singletary}} {{small|(2)}}
|[[Linebacker]]||[[Chicago Bears]] ||<ref>{{cite news|title=Top defensive player: Singletary|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=2202&dat=19881229&id=1twlAAAAIBAJ&pg=3937,5323778&hl=en|access-date=July 11, 2016|work=Gettysburg Times|agency=Associated Press|date=December 29, 1988|page=2B|archive-date=April 14, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230414214336/https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=2202&dat=19881229&id=1twlAAAAIBAJ&pg=3937,5323778&hl=en|url-status=live}}</ref>
|-
|[[1989 NFL season|1989]]
!scope="row"|{{sortname|Keith|Millard}}
|[[Defensive tackle]]||[[Minnesota Vikings]] ||<ref>{{cite news|title=Millard defensive player of year|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1665&dat=19891230&id=e0gaAAAAIBAJ&pg=3662,7680148&hl=en|access-date=July 11, 2016|work=The Times-News|agency=Associated Press|date=December 30, 1989|page=15|archive-date=April 14, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230414215100/https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1665&dat=19891230&id=e0gaAAAAIBAJ&pg=3662,7680148&hl=en|url-status=live}}</ref>
|-
|[[1990 NFL season|1990]]
!scope="row"|{{sortname|Bruce|Smith|Bruce Smith (defensive end)}}
|[[Defensive end]]||[[Buffalo Bills]] ||<ref>{{cite news|title=Buffalo's Bruce Smith honored|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=860&dat=19910110&id=oINUAAAAIBAJ&pg=6839,927347&hl=en|access-date=July 11, 2016|work=Ellensburg Daily Record|agency=Associated Press|date=January 10, 1991|page=11|archive-date=April 14, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230414214337/https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=860&dat=19910110&id=oINUAAAAIBAJ&pg=6839,927347&hl=en|url-status=live}}</ref>
|-
|[[1991 NFL season|1991]]
!scope="row"|{{sortname|Pat|Swilling}}
|[[Linebacker]]||[[New Orleans Saints]] ||<ref>{{cite news|title=Saints' Swilling Defensive Player of the Year|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=932&dat=19911230&id=_pY0AAAAIBAJ&pg=5332,317921&hl=en|access-date=July 11, 2016|work=Kingman Daily Miner|agency=Associated Press|date=December 30, 1991|page=6|archive-date=April 14, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230414215130/https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=932&dat=19911230&id=_pY0AAAAIBAJ&pg=5332,317921&hl=en|url-status=live}}</ref>
|-
|[[1992 NFL season|1992]]
!scope="row"|{{sortname|Cortez|Kennedy}}
|[[Defensive tackle]]||[[Seattle Seahawks]] ||<ref>{{cite news|title=Seattle tackle named defensive player of year|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1665&dat=19930106&id=3TIaAAAAIBAJ&pg=4150,1246529&hl=en|access-date=July 11, 2016|work=The Times-News|agency=Associated Press|date=January 6, 1993|page=1B|archive-date=April 14, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230414214333/https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1665&dat=19930106&id=3TIaAAAAIBAJ&pg=4150,1246529&hl=en|url-status=live}}</ref>
|-
|[[1993 NFL season|1993]]
!scope="row"|{{sortname|Rod|Woodson}}
|[[Cornerback]]||[[Pittsburgh Steelers]] ||<ref>{{cite news|title=Steelers' Woodson top defensive player|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1893&dat=19940107&id=gbUfAAAAIBAJ&pg=1053,802587&hl=en|access-date=July 11, 2016|work=The Southeast Missourian|agency=Associated Press|date=January 7, 1994|page=2B|archive-date=April 14, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230414214335/https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1893&dat=19940107&id=gbUfAAAAIBAJ&pg=1053,802587&hl=en|url-status=live}}</ref>
|-
|[[1994 NFL season|1994]]
!scope="row"|{{sortname|Deion|Sanders}}
|[[Cornerback]]||[[San Francisco 49ers]] ||<ref>{{cite news|title=Sanders are players of the year|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1817&dat=19941229&id=cjUdAAAAIBAJ&pg=4191,4099759&hl=en|access-date=July 11, 2016|work=The Tuscaloosa News|agency=Associated Press|date=December 29, 1994|page=3C|archive-date=April 14, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230414215109/https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1817&dat=19941229&id=cjUdAAAAIBAJ&pg=4191,4099759&hl=en|url-status=live}}</ref>
|-
|[[1995 NFL season|1995]]
!scope="row"|{{sortname|Bryce|Paup}}
|[[Linebacker]]||[[Buffalo Bills]] ||<ref>{{cite news|title=Bills' Paup garners defensive player of year award|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=861&dat=19951229&id=GANZAAAAIBAJ&pg=5235,5974113&hl=en|access-date=July 11, 2016|work=The Victoria Advocate|agency=Associated Press|date=December 29, 1995|page=3B|archive-date=April 14, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230414215105/https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=861&dat=19951229&id=GANZAAAAIBAJ&pg=5235,5974113&hl=en|url-status=live}}</ref>
|-
|[[1996 NFL season|1996]]
!scope="row"|{{sortname|Bruce|Smith|Bruce Smith (defensive end)}} {{small|(2)}} 
|[[Defensive end]]||[[Buffalo Bills]] ||<ref>{{cite news|title=Consolation for Smith: Bills star voted Defensive Player of Year|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1914&dat=19961230&id=XtQgAAAAIBAJ&pg=6004,4354441&hl=en|access-date=July 11, 2016|work=Sun Journal|agency=Associated Press|date=December 30, 1996|page=1C|archive-date=April 14, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230414214348/https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1914&dat=19961230&id=XtQgAAAAIBAJ&pg=6004,4354441&hl=en|url-status=live}}</ref>
|-
|[[1997 NFL season|1997]]
!scope="row"|{{sortname|Dana|Stubblefield}}
|[[Defensive tackle]]||[[San Francisco 49ers]] ||<ref>{{cite news|title=Stubblefield is defensive player of year|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=2245&dat=19971226&id=VO40AAAAIBAJ&pg=5347,7283125&hl=en|access-date=July 11, 2016|work=Lodi News-Sentinel|agency=Associated Press|date=December 26, 1997|page=17|archive-date=April 14, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230414214341/https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=2245&dat=19971226&id=VO40AAAAIBAJ&pg=5347,7283125&hl=en|url-status=live}}</ref>
|-
|[[1998 NFL season|1998]]
!scope="row"|{{sortname|Reggie|White}} {{small|(2)}} 
|[[Defensive end]]||[[Green Bay Packers]] ||<ref name="White2">{{cite news|last1=Wilner|first1=Barry|title=White named defensive player of year|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1876&dat=19990107&id=JUEfAAAAIBAJ&pg=2642,1331682&hl=en|access-date=July 11, 2016|work=Herald-Journal|agency=Associated Press|date=January 7, 1999|page=D1|archive-date=April 14, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230414215107/https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1876&dat=19990107&id=JUEfAAAAIBAJ&pg=2642,1331682&hl=en|url-status=live}}</ref>
|-
|[[1999 NFL season|1999]]
!scope="row"|{{sortname|Warren|Sapp}}
|[[Defensive tackle]]||[[Tampa Bay Buccaneers]] ||<ref>{{cite news|title=Bucs' Sapp named NFL's top defensive player|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1893&dat=20000114&id=fh8vAAAAIBAJ&pg=5385,1971606&hl=en|access-date=July 11, 2016|work=The Southeast Missourian|agency=Associated Press|date=January 14, 2000|page=1B}}</ref>
|-
|[[2000 NFL season|2000]]
!scope="row"|{{sortname|Ray|Lewis}} 
|[[Linebacker]]||[[Baltimore Ravens]] ||<ref>{{cite news|last1=Ginsburg|first1=David|title=Ravens' Lewis named defensive player of the year|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=2026&dat=20010101&id=ns8qAAAAIBAJ&pg=4852,277450&hl=en|access-date=July 11, 2016|work=Moscow-Pullman Daily News|agency=Associated Press|date=January 3, 2001|page=1B|archive-date=April 14, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230414214337/https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=2026&dat=20010101&id=ns8qAAAAIBAJ&pg=4852,277450&hl=en|url-status=live}}</ref>
|-
|[[2001 NFL season|2001]]
!scope="row"|{{sortname|Michael|Strahan}}
|[[Defensive end]]||[[New York Giants]] ||<ref name=Strahan>{{cite news|last1=Wilner|first1=Barry|title=Sackmaster Strahan wins Defensive Player award|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=932&dat=20020117&id=TdRPAAAAIBAJ&pg=6734,1258624&hl=en|access-date=July 11, 2016|work=Kingman Daily Miner|agency=Associated Press|date=January 17, 2002|page=7|archive-date=April 14, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230414214344/https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=932&dat=20020117&id=TdRPAAAAIBAJ&pg=6734,1258624&hl=en|url-status=live}}</ref>
|-
|[[2002 NFL season|2002]]
!scope="row"|{{sortname|Derrick|Brooks}}
|[[Linebacker]]||[[Tampa Bay Buccaneers]] ||<ref>{{cite news|last1=Wilner|first1=Barry|title=Bucs' linebacker is NFL Defensive Player of the Year|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1988&dat=20030109&id=KmYiAAAAIBAJ&pg=1262,629137&hl=en|access-date=July 11, 2016|work=The Argus-Press|agency=Associated Press|date=January 9, 2003|page=15|archive-date=April 14, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230414214334/https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1988&dat=20030109&id=KmYiAAAAIBAJ&pg=1262,629137&hl=en|url-status=live}}</ref>
|-
|[[2003 NFL season|2003]]
!scope="row"|{{sortname|Ray|Lewis}} {{small|(2)}} 
|[[Linebacker]]||[[Baltimore Ravens]]||<ref>{{cite news|title=Ravens Lewis' win player of the year awards|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1291&dat=20040101&id=X_APAAAAIBAJ&pg=3189,103991&hl=en|access-date=July 11, 2016|work=Boca Raton News|agency=Associated Press|date=January 1, 2004|page=24|archive-date=April 14, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230414214337/https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1291&dat=20040101&id=X_APAAAAIBAJ&pg=3189,103991&hl=en|url-status=live}}</ref>
|-
|[[2004 NFL season|2004]]
!scope="row"|{{sortname|Ed|Reed}}
|[[Safety (gridiron football position)|Safety]]||[[Baltimore Ravens]] ||<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/news/story?id=1961735|title=First safety in 20 years to win defensive award|date=January 7, 2005|website=ESPN.com|publisher=Associated Press|access-date=January 5, 2009|archive-date=March 4, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090304233416/http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=1961735|url-status=live}}</ref>
|-
|[[2005 NFL season|2005]]
!scope="row"|{{sortname|Brian|Urlacher}}
|[[Linebacker]]||[[Chicago Bears]] ||<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/news/story?id=2282829|title=Urlacher named AP Defensive Player of the Year|date=January 6, 2006|work=ESPN.com|publisher=Associated Press|access-date=January 5, 2009|archive-date=March 4, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090304233421/http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=2282829|url-status=live}}</ref>
|-
|[[2006 NFL season|2006]]
!scope="row"|{{sortname|Jason|Taylor|Jason Taylor (American football)}}
|[[Defensive end]]||[[Miami Dolphins]] ||<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.usatoday.com/sports/football/nfl/dolphins/2007-01-05-ap-defensive-player-award_x.htm|title=Taylor takes home AP Defensive Player of the Year honor|last=Wilner|first=Barry|date=January 5, 2007|work=USA Today|publisher=Associated Press|access-date=January 5, 2009|archive-date=March 4, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090304160003/http://www.usatoday.com/sports/football/nfl/dolphins/2007-01-05-ap-defensive-player-award_x.htm|url-status=live}}</ref>
|-
|[[2007 NFL season|2007]]
!scope="row"|{{sortname|Bob|Sanders}}
|[[Safety (gridiron football position)|Safety]]||[[Indianapolis Colts]] ||<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/news/story?id=3185005|title=AP picks Colts' Sanders as top defensive player|date=January 7, 2008|work=ESPN.com|publisher=Associated Press|access-date=January 5, 2009|archive-date=March 2, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090302084822/http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=3185005|url-status=live}}</ref>
|-
|[[2008 NFL season|2008]]
!scope="row"|{{sortname|James|Harrison|James Harrison (American football)}}
|[[Linebacker]]||[[Pittsburgh Steelers]] ||<ref>{{cite web|title=Harrison has death grip on defensive award|url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/news/story?id=3811266|website=ESPN.com|publisher=Associated Press|access-date=July 11, 2016|date=January 5, 2009|archive-date=April 5, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160405084425/http://espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=3811266|url-status=live}}</ref>
|-
|[[2009 NFL season|2009]]
!scope="row"|{{sortname|Charles|Woodson}}
|[[Cornerback]]||[[Green Bay Packers]] ||<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nfl.com/news/story?id=09000d5d815ade86&template=with-video-with-comments&confirm=true |title=CB Woodson voted AP's top defensive player |date=January 12, 2010 |work=NFL.com |publisher=Associated Press |access-date=October 27, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100326035611/http://www.nfl.com/news/story?id=09000d5d815ade86&template=with-video-with-comments&confirm=true |archive-date=March 26, 2010 }}</ref>
|-
|[[2010 NFL season|2010]]
!scope="row"|{{sortname|Troy|Polamalu}}
|[[Safety (gridiron football position)|Safety]] ||[[Pittsburgh Steelers]] ||<ref>{{cite web|title=Steelers' Polamalu voted AP's NFL Defensive Player of the Year|url=https://www.nfl.com/news/steelers-polamalu-voted-ap-s-nfl-defensive-player-of-the-year-09000d5d81e07db6|website=NFL.com|publisher=National Football League|access-date=July 11, 2016|date=January 31, 2011|archive-date=November 6, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121106140002/http://www.nfl.com/news/story/09000d5d81e07db6/article/steelers-polamalu-voted-aps-nfl-defensive-player-of-the-year|url-status=live}}</ref>
|-
|[[2011 NFL season|2011]]
!scope="row"|{{sortname|Terrell|Suggs}}
|[[Linebacker]] ||[[Baltimore Ravens]] ||<ref>{{cite news|last1=Zrebiec|first1=Jeff|title=Terrell Suggs selected AP Defensive Player of the Year|url=http://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/ravens/ravens-insider/bs-sp-suggs-ravens-defensive-poy-0205-20120204-story.html|access-date=July 11, 2016|work=The Baltimore Sun|date=February 4, 2012|archive-date=September 10, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160910094521/http://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/ravens/ravens-insider/bs-sp-suggs-ravens-defensive-poy-0205-20120204-story.html|url-status=live}}</ref>
|-
|[[2012 NFL season|2012]]
!scope="row"|{{sortname|J. J.|Watt}}
|[[Defensive end]] ||[[Houston Texans]] ||<ref name=Watt>{{cite web|last1=Rosenthal|first1=Gregg|title=J.J. Watt near unanimous Defensive Player of the Year|url=https://www.nfl.com/news/j-j-watt-near-unanimous-defensive-player-of-the-year-0ap1000000134299|website=NFL.com|publisher=National Football League|access-date=July 11, 2016|date=February 2, 2013|archive-date=November 11, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201111211224/https://www.nfl.com/news/j-j-watt-near-unanimous-defensive-player-of-the-year-0ap1000000134299|url-status=live}}</ref>
|-
|[[2013 NFL season|2013]]
!scope="row"|{{sortname|Luke|Kuechly}}
|[[Linebacker]] ||[[Carolina Panthers]] ||<ref>{{cite web|last1=Brinson|first1=Will|title=Luke Kuechly wins 2013 Defensive Player of the Year|url=http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/luke-kuechly-wins-2013-defensive-player-of-the-year/|work=CBS Sports|access-date=July 11, 2016|date=February 1, 2014|archive-date=September 19, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160919030415/http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/luke-kuechly-wins-2013-defensive-player-of-the-year/|url-status=live}}</ref>
|-
|[[2014 NFL season|2014]]
!scope="row"|{{sortname|J. J.|Watt}} {{small|(2)}}
|[[Defensive end]] ||[[Houston Texans]] ||<ref name=Watt2>{{cite web|last1=Brinson|first1=Will|title=J.J. Watt is first-ever unanimous NFL Defensive Player of the Year|url=http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/eye-on-football/25013863/jj-watt-named-2014-defensive-player-of-the-year|work=CBS Sports|access-date=July 11, 2016|date=January 31, 2015|archive-date=June 24, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160624102153/http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/eye-on-football/25013863/jj-watt-named-2014-defensive-player-of-the-year|url-status=live}}</ref>
|-
|[[2015 NFL season|2015]]
!scope="row"|{{sortname|J. J.|Watt}} {{small|(3)}}
|[[Defensive end]] ||[[Houston Texans]] ||<ref name=Watt3>{{cite web|title=J.J. Watt wins third Defensive Player of the Year award, calls out doubters|url=http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/jj-watt-wins-third-defensive-player-of-the-year-award-calls-out-doubters/|work=CBS Sports|access-date=July 11, 2016|date=February 7, 2016|archive-date=September 18, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160918223138/http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/jj-watt-wins-third-defensive-player-of-the-year-award-calls-out-doubters/|url-status=live}}</ref>
|-
|[[2016 NFL season|2016]]
!scope="row"|{{sortname|Khalil|Mack}}
|[[Defensive end]]||[[Oakland Raiders]]||<ref name=Mack>{{cite news|last1=Reyes|first1=Lorenzo|title=Raiders' Khalil Mack named NFL defensive player of the year|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/raiders/2017/02/04/khalil-mack-defensive-player-of-year-oakland/97504288/|access-date=April 24, 2017|work=USA Today|date=February 4, 2017|archive-date=April 25, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170425131314/https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/raiders/2017/02/04/khalil-mack-defensive-player-of-year-oakland/97504288/|url-status=live}}</ref>
|-
|-
|[[2017 NFL season|2017]]
!scope="row"|{{sortname|Aaron|Donald}}
|[[Defensive tackle]]||[[Los Angeles Rams]]||<ref name=Donald>{{cite news|last1=Shook|first1=Nick|title=Aaron Donald named NFL Defensive Player of the Year|url=https://www.nfl.com/news/aaron-donald-named-nfl-defensive-player-of-the-year-0ap3000000913863|access-date=February 3, 2018|work=NFL.com|date=February 3, 2018|archive-date=June 14, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200614080203/https://www.nfl.com/news/aaron-donald-named-nfl-defensive-player-of-the-year-0ap3000000913863|url-status=live}}</ref>
|-
|[[2018 NFL season|2018]]
!scope="row"|{{sortname|Aaron|Donald}} {{small|(2)}}
|[[Defensive tackle]]
|[[Los Angeles Rams]]
|<ref name=Donald2>{{Cite web|url=https://www.nfl.com/news/aaron-donald-named-2018-defensive-player-of-year-0ap3000001015472|title=Aaron Donald named 2018 Defensive Player of Year|last=Patra|first=Kevin|date=February 2, 2019|access-date=February 2, 2019|archive-date=June 14, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200614051035/https://www.nfl.com/news/aaron-donald-named-2018-defensive-player-of-year-0ap3000001015472|url-status=live}}</ref>
|-
|[[2019 NFL season|2019]]
!scope="row"|{{sortname|Stephon|Gilmore}}
|[[Cornerback]]
|[[New England Patriots]]
|<ref name=Gilmore>{{Cite web |url=https://www.nfl.com/news/stephon-gilmore-named-2019-defensive-player-of-year-0ap3000001100158 |title=Stephon Gilmore named 2019 Defensive Player of Year |website=NFL.com |first=Nick |last=Shook |date=February 1, 2020 |access-date=February 1, 2020 |archive-date=May 16, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200516133917/https://www.nfl.com/news/stephon-gilmore-named-2019-defensive-player-of-year-0ap3000001100158 |url-status=live }}</ref>
|-
|[[2020 NFL season|2020]]
!scope="row"|{{sortname|Aaron|Donald}} {{small|(3)}}
|[[Defensive tackle]]
|[[Los Angeles Rams]]
| <ref name="Patra">{{cite web |url=https://www.nfl.com/news/rams-dt-aaron-donald-wins-ap-defensive-player-of-the-year |title=Rams DT Aaron Donald wins AP Defensive Player of the Year for third time |website=NFL.com |first=Kevin |last=Patra |date=February 6, 2021 |access-date=February 6, 2021}}</ref>
|-
|[[2021 NFL season|2021]]
!scope="row"|{{sortname|T. J.|Watt}}
|[[Linebacker]]
|[[Pittsburgh Steelers]]
|<ref name=TJWatt>{{Cite web |url=https://www.nfl.com/news/steelers-pass-rusher-t-j-watt-named-2021-ap-nfl-defensive-player-of-the-year |title=Steelers pass rusher T.J. Watt named 2021 AP NFL Defensive Player of the Year |website=NFL.com |first=Kevin |last=Patra |date=February 10, 2022 |access-date=February 11, 2022 |archive-date=February 14, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220214030808/https://www.nfl.com/news/steelers-pass-rusher-t-j-watt-named-2021-ap-nfl-defensive-player-of-the-year |url-status=live }}</ref>
|-
|[[2022 NFL season|2022]]
!scope="row"|{{sortname|Nick|Bosa}}
|[[Defensive end]]
|[[San Francisco 49ers]]
|<ref name=Bosa>{{Cite web |url=https://www.nfl.com/news/niners-de-nick-bosa-named-ap-nfl-defensive-player-of-the-year |title=Niners DE Nick Bosa named AP NFL Defensive Player of the Year |website=NFL.com |first=Nick |last=Shook |date=February 9, 2023 |access-date=February 9, 2023 |archive-date=February 10, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230210022635/https://www.nfl.com/news/niners-de-nick-bosa-named-ap-nfl-defensive-player-of-the-year |url-status=live }}</ref>
|-
|[[2023 NFL season|2023]]
!scope="row"|{{sortname|Myles|Garrett}}
|[[Defensive end]]
|[[Cleveland Browns]]
|<ref name=Garrett>{{Cite web |url=https://www.nfl.com/news/browns-de-myles-garrett-named-ap-2023-nfl-defensive-player-of-the-year |title=Browns DE Myles Garrett named AP 2023 NFL Defensive Player of the Year |website=NFL.com |first=Nick |last=Shook |date=February 8, 2024 |access-date=February 8, 2024 |archive-date=February 9, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240209025115/https://www.nfl.com/news/browns-de-myles-garrett-named-ap-2023-nfl-defensive-player-of-the-year |url-status=live }}</ref>
|-
|[[2024 NFL season|2024]]
!scope="row"|{{sortname|Patrick|Surtain II}}
|[[Cornerback]]
|[[Denver Broncos]]
|<ref>{{Cite web |last=Edholm |first=Eric |date=2025-02-06 |title=Broncos CB Pat Surtain II wins 2024 AP NFL Defensive Player of the Year award |url=https://www.nfl.com/news/broncos-cb-pat-surtain-ii-wins-2024-ap-nfl-defensive-player-of-the-year-award |access-date=2025-02-06 |website=NFL.com |language=}}</ref>
|}

==Multiple-time winners==
{| class="wikitable sortable"
|+ List of multiple-time winners
! scope="col" |Player
! scope="col" |Awards
! scope="col" |Position
! scope="col" |Team
! scope="col" |Seasons
|-
![[Lawrence Taylor]]
|3
|[[Linebacker]]
|[[New York Giants]]
|[[1981 NFL season|1981]], [[1982 NFL season|1982]], [[1986 NFL season|1986]]
|-
![[J. J. Watt]]
|3
|[[Defensive end]]
|[[Houston Texans]]
|[[2012 NFL season|2012]], [[2014 NFL season|2014]], [[2015 NFL season|2015]]
|-
![[Aaron Donald]]
|3
|[[Defensive tackle]]
|[[Los Angeles Rams]]
|[[2017 NFL season|2017]], [[2018 NFL season|2018]], [[2020 NFL season|2020]]
|-
!{{sortname|Joe|Greene}}
|2
|[[Defensive tackle]]
|[[Pittsburgh Steelers]]
|[[1972 NFL season|1972]], [[1974 NFL season|1974]]
|-
![[Mike Singletary]]
|2
|[[Linebacker]]
|[[Chicago Bears]]
|[[1985 NFL season|1985]], [[1988 NFL season|1988]]
|-
!{{sortname|Bruce|Smith|Bruce Smith (defensive end)}}
|2
|[[Defensive end]]
|[[Buffalo Bills]]
|[[1990 NFL season|1990]], [[1996 NFL season|1996]]
|-
!{{sortname|Reggie|White}}
|2
|[[Defensive end]]
|[[Philadelphia Eagles]]<br />[[Green Bay Packers]]
|[[1987 NFL season|1987]], [[1998 NFL season|1998]]
|-
!{{sortname|Ray|Lewis}}
|2
|[[Linebacker]]
|[[Baltimore Ravens]]
|[[2000 NFL season|2000]], [[2003 NFL season|2003]]
|}

== See also ==
* [[AP NFL Offensive Player of the Year]]

==References==
;General
* {{cite book |title=2018 Official NFL Record and Fact Book |date=2016 |publisher=National Football League |pages=524–525 |url=https://nflcommunications.com/Documents/2018%20Record%20and%20Fact%20Book%20(8.6.18).pdf |access-date=August 14, 2018 |editor1-last=Gellerman |editor1-first=Jacob |editor2-last=Drexler |editor2-first=Sam |editor3-last=Marini |editor3-first=Matt |editor4-last=Cocchiaro |editor4-first=Nicolas |editor5-last=Zerkel |editor5-first=Alex |archive-date=March 15, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210315154820/https://nflcommunications.com/Documents/2018%20Record%20and%20Fact%20Book%20(8.6.18).pdf |url-status=live }}
* {{cite web|title=AP Defensive Player of the Year Winners|url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/awards/ap-defensive-player-of-the-year.htm|website=Pro-Football-Reference.com|publisher=Sports Reference LLC|access-date=July 11, 2016|archive-date=July 13, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180713200031/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/awards/ap-defensive-player-of-the-year.htm|url-status=live}}
* {{cite news|title=NFL Defensive Player of the Year|url=http://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/sdut-nfl-defensive-player-of-the-year-2016feb06-story.html|access-date=July 6, 2017|work=The San Diego Union-Tribune|agency=Associated Press|date=February 6, 2016|archive-date=February 6, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180206234454/http://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/sdut-nfl-defensive-player-of-the-year-2016feb06-story.html|url-status=live}}
;Footnotes
{{reflist|30em}}

{{NFL DPOYs}}
{{NFL Honors}}

{{featured list}}

[[Category:NFL trophies and awards]]
[[Category:Associated Press awards]]