AP NFL Defensive Player of the Year Award NFL Defensive Players of the Year NFL Defensive Players of the Year

| Year_ | NFL_Team | Position_ | Team_Defense_Rank | Team_Performance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1971 | Minnesota Vikings | Defensive tackle | 2 | NFC Division champ |
| 1972 | Pittsburgh Steelers | Defensive tackle | 8 | AFC Championship |
| 1973 | Miami Dolphins | Safety | 3 | Won Super Bowl VIII |
| 1974 | Pittsburgh Steelers (2) | Defensive tackle | 4 | Won Super Bowl IX |
| 1975 | Pittsburgh Steelers (3) | Cornerback | 4 | Won Super Bowl X |
| 1976 | Pittsburgh Steelers (4) | Linebacker | 1 | AFC Championship |
| 1977 | Dallas Cowboys | Defensive end | 1 | Won Super Bowl XII |
| 1978 | Denver Broncos | Linebacker | 6 | AFC Divisional |
| 1979 | Tampa Bay Buccaneers | Defensive end | 1 | NFC Championship |
| 1980 | Oakland Raiders | Cornerback | 11 | Won Super Bowl XV |
| 1981 | New York Giants | Linebacker | 3 | NFC Divisional |