Former Alabama linebacker named NFL Defensive Player of the Year Finalist

Jan 4, 2026; Houston, Texas, USA; Indianapolis Colts running back Jonathan Taylor (28) is tackled by. Houston Texans defensive end Will Anderson Jr. (51) during the first half at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Thomas Shea-Imagn Images

Former Alabama and current Houston Texans linebacker Will Anderson Jr. was named as a finalist for the NFL Defensive Player of the Year on Thursday. Anderson accumulated 35 solo tackles, 12 sacks and three forced fumbles in his third season in the NFL.

He has consistently improved each year with the Texans and has been a key contributor to one of the best defenses in the league. However, his and the Texans’ season came to an end after a loss to the Patriots in the Divisional Round on Sunday.

Anderson was the No. 3 pick in the NFL Draft by the Texans back in 2023 after three standout years with the Crimson Tide, in which he was able to tally 114 solo tackles, 34.5 sacks, a forced fumble and an interception.

He won numerous awards throughout his three-year career in Tuscaloosa, which include the Shaun Alexander Award, the Chuck Bednarik Award, the Lott Trophy and the Nagurski Trophy twice.

Anderson’s talents immediately translated once he arrived in Houston, as he won the NFL’s Defensive Rookie of the Year award after recording 29 solo tackles, 10 tackles for a loss and seven sacks, which also earned him Pro Bowl honors.

He will be competing for Defensive Player of the Year alongside Broncos linebacker Nik Bonitto, Browns defensive end Myles Garrett, Lions defensive end Aidan Hutchinson and Packers defensive end Micah Parsons.

The winner of the award will be announced on Feb. 5 at the NFL Honors Ceremony, which will air on NBC, the NFL Network, NFL+ and Peacock when the ceremony begins at 8 p.m. CT.