Aaron Donald claims 3rd career Defensive Player of the Year award
Los Angeles Rams defensive lineman Aaron Donald claimed the 2020 Defensive Player of the Year award at the NFL Honors show on Saturday.
Donald racked up 45 tackles, 13.5 sacks, and four forced fumbles through 16 games this season.
He's now been named football's top defender for the third time, tying former New York Giants linebacker Lawrence Taylor and Houston Texans defensive end J.J. Watt for the most ever.
Donald previously won the honor in 2017 and 2018. He also claimed Defensive Rookie of the Year in 2014.
The 29-year-old received 27 of 50 possible votes for the Defensive Player of the Year award, while Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt had 20. Miami Dolphins cornerback Xavien Howard finished third with three votes.
Watt reacted to the results on social media soon after the NFL's announcement:
— TJ Watt (@_TJWatt) February 7, 2021
Donald was the main piece of the Rams' top-ranked defense in 2020. Los Angeles allowed just 18.5 points per game while allowing fewer than 200 passing yards and 92 rushing yards per contest.
In seven NFL seasons, Donald has earned seven Pro Bowl berths and six first-team All-Pro nods.