T.J. Watt wins the NFL Defensive Player of the Year

Former Badgers outside linebacker T.J. Watt wins NFL Defensive Player of the Year.

The NFL Honors banquet took place on Thursday night, and for one former Badger it was a night he’ll never forget. 

Former Wisconsin Badgers outside linebacker T.J. Watt won the NFL’s AP Defensive Player of the Year award.

The Pewaukee (Wisc.) native received 42 of the 50 votes cast by the associated press media panel. The other two players receiving votes were linebacker Micah Parsons, and defensive lineman Aaron Donald. 

The Steelers star outside linebacker tied Michael Strahan’s single-season sack record (22.5 sacks) in just 15 games this season. Watt was also named a first-team All-Pro for the third consecutive year.

T.J and J.J Watt are now the first pair of brothers in NFL history to become recipients of the Defensive Player of the Year award.

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