Former Wisconsin Badgers and Philadelphia Eagles linebacker Zack Baun couldn’t believe he was named one of the candidates for the DPOY award this season.
“It’s really cool and special. Honestly, this is not even a spectrum of a goal of mine. Really just trying to be the best player I can be and trying to maximize my potential and ability,” Baun said via Eliot Shorr-Parks of 94WIP.com.
“Not the end result but the outcome of the work I’ve put in, so I’m proud of myself and a lot of credit to the guys up front and the guys on this team for aiding my success. I really appreciate their efforts,” the former Wisconsin Badgers star concluded.
During the regular season, the former Wisconsin Badgers star tallied 151 tackles, 3.5 sacks, five forced fumbles, four passes defended, and one interception. Baun was also named to the Pro Bowl and was nominated as a first-team All-Pro player.
TJ Watt joins Zack Baun in representing the Wisconsin Badgers again
Zack Baun is not the only Wisconsin Badgers product nominated for the DPOY this year, as Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker TJ Watt is also in the mix.
Watt, the 2021 winner and runner-up last season, notched 61 tackles, 11.5 sacks, six forced fumbles, and four passes defended in 17 regular season appearances.
“You have to put two guys on this man. He can wreak havoc in a game. He is that type of player. He is a defensive player of the year candidate. He is a guy that can change a game. He is a first-ballot Hall of Fame player. Those are guys you have to game plan for,” said former Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Bill Cowher via Mike Darnay of CBS Pittsburgh.
