years now, Cleveland Browns defensive end Myles Garrett and Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt have been circling the AP Defensive Player of the Year award.
A one-two finish between the two rivals has long seemed a possibility—and on Thursday evening, it became a reality.
Garrett edged out Watt by 25 points to take the crown, becoming the first Browns player to win it. Watt, who won the award in 2021, finished second despite registering 19 sacks in 2023 to lead the league for the third time.
On Friday afternoon, Watt’s brother—former defensive end and three-time Defensive Player of the Year J.J. Watt—took to social media to defend his brother’s honor.
