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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1982 | New York Giants (2) | Linebacker | 7 | 4–5 no playoffs (strike season) |
| 1983 | Miami Dolphins (2) | Defensive end | 7 | AFC Divisional |
| 1984 | Seattle Seahawks | Safety | 6 | AFC Divisional |
| 1985 | Chicago Bears | Linebacker | 1 | Won Super Bowl XX |
| 1986 | New York Giants (3) | Linebacker | 2 | Won Super Bowl XXI |
| 1987 | Philadelphia Eagles | Defensive end | 23 | 7–8 no playoffs (strike season) |
| 1988 | Chicago Bears (2) | Linebacker | 2 | NFC Championship |
| 1989 | Minnesota Vikings (2) | Defensive tackle | 1 | NFC Divisional |
| 1990 | Buffalo Bills | Defensive end | 8 | Lost Super Bowl XXV |
| 1991 | New Orleans Saints | Linebacker | 2 | NFC Wildcard |
| 1992 | Seattle Seahawks (2) | Defensive tackle | 10 | 2–14 no playoffs |
| 1993 | Pittsburgh Steelers (5) | Cornerback | 3 | AFC Wildcard |