A Wisconsin Badger is among the five finalists for the NFL Defensive Player of the Year Award in 2023. Pittsburgh Steelers star linebacker T.J. Watt finished his regular season as the league leader in sacks at 19, with fellow defensive player of the year finalist Maxx Crosby the next-closest at 14.5.
Watt set career marks with 68 total tackles and eight passes defended, and 48 of his 68 tackles were solo.
Watt is joined by cornerback Daron Bland, defensive end Maxx Crosby, defensive end Myles Garrett, and linebacker Micah Parsons.
The winner of the DPOY award will be announced on Feb. 8, 2024, during the NFL Honors show.
The finalists for AP Defensive Player of the Year presented by @TCL_USA! #NFLHonors pic.twitter.com/z2FLXejPjy
— NFL (@NFL) January 25, 2024