The NFL Defensive Player of the Year is an annual award given to the league's top defensive player. This award recognizes outstanding individual performance in defensive roles, including positions like linebacker, cornerback, and defensive end. The winner is selected based on votes from a panel of sportswriters and broadcasters. The award has been presented since 1971 and is part of the NFL Honors ceremony, which takes place before the Super Bowl. Notable past winners include Lawrence Taylor, Ray Lewis, and Aaron Donald, who have all made significant impacts on their teams and the game as a whole.