All articles tagged with #defensive player of the year
Cleveland Browns defensive end Myles Garrett was unanimously named the 2025 AP NFL Defensive Player of the Year at NFL Honors after delivering an NFL-record 23 sacks, plus 33 tackles for loss and 39 QB hits, guiding a standout, league-leading pass rush despite the Browns’ 5-12 season; this marks Garrett’s second DPOY award and cements his status among the game's all-time greats.
Analysts preview the AP awards for the 2025 NFL Honors, naming Matthew Stafford as the MVP front-runner with Drake Maye close behind, Myles Garrett as the top defensive player, Tetairoa McMillan as the Offensive Rookie of the Year front-runner, Carson Schwesinger as the Defensive Rookie of the Year leader, Christian McCaffrey as the Comeback Player of the Year front-runner, and Mike Vrabel and Klint Kubiak leading the Coach of the Year and Assistant Coach of the Year ballots.
Myles Garrett is one of five edge rushers named as NFL Defensive Player of the Year finalists—Will Anderson, Nik Bonitto, Aidan Hutchinson and Micah Parsons join him. Garrett set the single-season sack record with 23; Hutchinson had 14.5, Bonitto 14, Parsons 12.5, and Anderson 12, with the winner to be revealed at the NFL Honors; analysts note the lineup leans heavily toward pass rushers.
Lynx coach Cheryl Reeve cleverly responded to Becky Hammon's dismissive comments about the co-Defensive Player of the Year award, highlighting her pride in Alanna Smith's achievement and questioning the media's defensive expertise. The award was shared by Smith and A'ja Wilson, with Reeve's witty remark adding to the playoff drama.
Pat Surtain II, a second-generation NFL star and reigning Defensive Player of the Year, has built a remarkable career with the Denver Broncos, following in his father Pat Surtain Sr.'s footsteps. From childhood in Florida to college at Alabama and now in the NFL, Surtain's journey highlights his talent, humility, and dedication, with family and legacy playing a central role in his success.
In a primetime NFL matchup, T.J. Watt's lackluster performance against the Cleveland Browns may have cost him the Defensive Player of the Year award, according to Good Morning Football's Kyle Brandt. While Myles Garrett shone brightly, Watt struggled to make an impact, leading Brandt to believe that Watt's chances for the award are now over. National games heavily influence voter narratives, and Watt's quiet game on such a stage could be detrimental to his DPOY bid.
Myles Garrett of the Cleveland Browns emphasized his dominance as the NFL's top defensive player following a victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers, where he outperformed rival T.J. Watt. Despite Watt's past success, Garrett claimed the Defensive Player of the Year award for 2023, sparking a competitive rivalry. Garrett's performance in the game, including three sacks, bolstered his claim as the league's premier edge defender, while Watt did not record a sack. Garrett's post-game comments highlighted his desire to assert his status as the best in the league.
Myles Garrett of the Cleveland Browns humorously suggested that T.J. Watt of the Pittsburgh Steelers should apologize for not congratulating him on winning the Defensive Player of the Year award, which Watt had won the previous year. Despite Watt's impressive stats, including leading the league in sacks, Garrett took the award, sparking discussions on the role of traditional stats versus advanced metrics in evaluating players. Both players emphasize team success over personal rivalry as they prepare to face off in an upcoming game.
At the midpoint of the 2024 NFL season, key players and coaches are emerging as frontrunners for major awards. Lamar Jackson is leading the MVP race with impressive stats, while Derrick Henry and Saquon Barkley are strong contenders for Offensive Player of the Year. On defense, Xavier McKinney and Fred Warner are making their cases for Defensive Player of the Year. Jayden Daniels is a standout for Offensive Rookie of the Year, and Jared Verse is a top candidate for Defensive Rookie of the Year. Dan Quinn is a leading candidate for Coach of the Year, having transformed the Washington Commanders into contenders.
Staff picks for the 2024 NBA awards include Nikola Jokic for MVP, Victor Wembanyama for Rookie of the Year, Rudy Gobert for Defensive Player of the Year, Coby White for Most Improved Player, Naz Reid for Sixth Man of the Year, Mark Daigneault for Coach of the Year, and DeMar DeRozan for Clutch Player of the Year. Additionally, Brad Stevens is recognized as the Executive of the Year for his role in the Celtics' success.
The official picks for the 2024 NBA Awards have been revealed, with Nikola Jokić of the Denver Nuggets leading the MVP race, followed by Luka Dončić of the Dallas Mavericks and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander of the Oklahoma City Thunder. Rudy Gobert of the Minnesota Timberwolves is the top choice for Defensive Player of the Year, while Victor Wembanyama of the San Antonio Spurs is the favorite for Rookie of the Year. Mark Daigneault of the Oklahoma City Thunder, Jamahl Mosley of the Orlando Magic, and Chris Finch of the Minnesota Timberwolves are the top contenders for Coach of the Year.
Former Los Angeles Rams defensive tackle Aaron Donald announced his retirement from the NFL after a 10-year career, expressing that he feels "complete" and "satisfied" with his accomplishments. Donald, a three-time Defensive Player of the Year and eight-time first-team All-Pro, cited a lack of passion for continuing to play and a feeling of being "burnt out." Despite considering retirement previously, winning the Super Bowl with the Rams in 2022 delayed his decision. Donald leaves behind a young and promising team, expressing confidence in their future success.
Aaron Donald, a standout defensive lineman for the Los Angeles Rams, has announced his retirement after a stellar 10-year career. The three-time AP NFL Defensive Player of the Year spent his entire career with the Rams, earning numerous accolades and playing a pivotal role in the team's success, including a Super Bowl victory. Known for his exceptional athleticism and game savvy, Donald leaves behind a legacy as one of the most dominant defensive players in the NFL.
Star Los Angeles Rams pass-rusher Aaron Donald, a three-time Defensive Player of the Year and 10-time Pro Bowler, has announced his retirement from the NFL at the age of 32. Known for his exceptional career with the Rams, including 111 career sacks and multiple accolades, Donald expressed gratitude for his time in the league and with the franchise that drafted him. His retirement marks the end of a remarkable career that has left a lasting impact on the NFL.
Micah Parsons defends Myles Garrett's NFL Defensive Player of the Year win, criticizing T.J. Watt's reaction and asserting that Garrett is a more dominant pass rusher. Parsons and others argue that Garrett's impact goes beyond statistics, with former NFL defensive end Chris Long also supporting Garrett. Despite the controversy, Parsons emphasizes the competitive nature of athletes and the significance of the award, while Browns players express their support for Garrett.