DALLAS (AP) — Pittsburgh safety Troy Polamalu has won The Associated Press 2010 NFL Defensive Player of the Year award, edging Green Bay linebacker Clay Matthews.
Polamalu received 17 votes from a nationwide panel of 50 media members who cover the league, edging Matthews by two votes.
READ MORE: Caught On Camera: San Bernardino Sheriff Deputy Kicks Surrendered Suspect In Head 2 timesDespite missing two games, in which Pittsburgh went 1-1, Polamalu becomes the sixth Steeler to win the award. He had seven interceptions this season along with 63 tackles, but made his mark with big plays.
READ MORE: LAFD Knocks Down 4-Acre Blaze In Remote Section Of Ken Malloy Harbor Regional ParkIn a late-season victory at Baltimore, his leaping tackle forced a fumble that set up the winning touchdown. That victory catapulted the Steelers to the AFC North title.
Now, they are in the Super Bowl — against Matthews’ Packers.
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