The "Defensive Player of the Year" is an annual award given in various professional sports leagues, most notably in the NBA and NFL. This award recognizes the player who has demonstrated exceptional defensive skills and made significant contributions to their team's defensive performance during the regular season. In the NBA, the award has been presented since the 1982-1983 season, while in the NFL, it has been awarded since 1971. Winners are typically selected based on their ability to prevent scoring, create turnovers, and impact the game defensively, showcasing their importance in a team's overall success.