Two former Badgers named finalists for NFL Defensive Player of the Year award

Two former Badgers, T.J. Watt of the Pittsburgh Steelers, and Zack Baun of the Philadelphia Eagles, were named as finalists for the NFL's Defensive Player of the Year award on Thursday.

Badger linebackers, TJ Watt and Zach Baun are dominating in the NFL

Watt, the winner of the award back in 2021, is once again one of the top candidates to take home his second trophy. Watt's 11.5 sacks were tied for eighth this season, but what really stands out are his league-leading six forced fumbles. He also finished second in tackles for loss. The former Badger has been dominating as a pass rusher since day one in the NFL, and crazily, it's more of a story when Watt isn't a finalist that if he is one.

The feel-good story of the year continues for Eagles' linebacker Zack Baun who received his first ever nomination for DPOY. Previously a career backup, Baun finally got the chance to start this season and he took full advantage. The former Badger finished the season with 151 tackles, 3.5 sacks and one interception. With five, only Watt forced more fumbles. It's a true fairytale season for Baun and capping it off with a DPOY award would be true cinema.

Thanks to T.J. and his older brother J.J., former Badgers have accounted for 25% of all Defensive Player of the Year winners since 2012. Could Baun potentially even add to that total domination? The award winner will be announced on February 6th at the NFL Honors which will be aired on Fox.