Bills player surprisingly earned one vote for 2024 NFL Defensive Player of the Year
The Buffalo Bills defense did not have the best of seasons in 2024.
Even so, one player stood out for many in western New York: Cornerback Christian Benford.
And Benford's efforts caught the eyes of at least one voter for the 2024 NFL Defensive Player of the Year Award.
Denver Broncos cornerback Patrick Surtain II ended up winning the honor. But as revealed, Benford did earn one fifth-place vote for the honor.
In 15 games played, Benford notched 64 tackles, including three for loss, with one sack, two interceptions, and 10 passes defended. Pro Football Focus graded Benford a 79.3 overall in 2024, good for their sixth-best cornerback mark in the NFL.
The final voting for the DPOTY, Benford included, can be found below:
AP Defensive Player of the Year voting:
Patrick Surtain II 26-11-2-4-1: 330
Trey Hendrickson 11-10-9-8-2: 205
Myles Garrett 5-11-12-8-5: 162
T.J. Watt 3-7-8-11-3: 114
Zack Baun 2-2-6-5-5: 63
Kerby…
— Rob Maaddi (@RobMaaddi) February 7, 2025
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