The NFL season is always filled with high drama, unexpected moments, and players stepping up to make game-changing plays. But there’s one area that never seems to go unnoticed: the conversation around individual awards, particularly the Defensive Player of the Year (DPOY) honors. As the 2023 season unfolded, fans, analysts, and players alike eagerly anticipated who would make the cut for the prestigious DPOY award.
However, when the finalists for the award were finally revealed, the decision sparked some intense reactions, especially from Green Bay Packers safety Xavier McKinney, who voiced his thoughts on the situation through a comment on X (formerly known as Twitter). “Crazy work,” McKinney commented, reflecting on the snubs and surprises regarding the nominees. His reaction opened up a wider discussion about what defines a true Defensive Player of the Year and whether the NFL’s voting process gets it right.
### The Defensive Player of the Year Finalists
As is tradition, the finalists for the DPOY award are selected by a voting panel of sportswriters, broadcasters, and former players. For the 2023 season, the nominees included standout defensive players who made their mark in remarkable ways. The finalists for DPOY were:
1. **Micah Parsons** – Linebacker, Dallas Cowboys
2. **T.J. Watt** – Outside Linebacker, Pittsburgh Steelers
3. **Jalen Carter** – Defensive Tackle, Philadelphia Eagles
Each of these players had an impressive season, bringing unique skills and dominant performances to the table. Micah Parsons continued to be a dynamic force for the Cowboys, T.J. Watt remained a terror off the edge for Pittsburgh, and Jalen Carter, the rookie sensation, had a monumental impact on Philadelphia’s defensive line.
But not all reactions were positive, and some felt that the list of finalists did not reflect the full spectrum of defensive talent across the league.
### Xavier McKinney’s “Crazy Work” Comment
Xavier McKinney’s reaction to the DPOY finalists on X was simple but telling: “Crazy work.” While the comment seemed light on specifics, it clearly conveyed his disbelief over the omission of certain players who, in his eyes, deserved a place among the finalists. McKinney’s words resonated with fans and players alike, with many agreeing that there were some surprising snubs in the race for DPOY.
McKinney’s comment also pointed to a larger issue within the NFL—one that frequently arises when individual accolades are distributed. In any given season, numerous players put together dominant performances, but only a select few are rewarded with accolades. The process of determining who makes the cut for awards like DPOY is not always clear-cut, and there are bound to be disagreements and controversies, particularly when players of McKinney’s caliber feel overlooked.
### Who Got Left Off the List?
While the three finalists mentioned above had standout seasons, there were other players who could easily have made their case for being among the top contenders for DPOY. For McKinney, it seems clear that some of these players were deserving of more recognition.
1. **Jaire Alexander (Green Bay Packers, Cornerback)**
One name that stands out in the discussion of potential snubs is Jaire Alexander, McKinney’s teammate in Green Bay. Alexander has long been regarded as one of the best cornerbacks in the league, and his ability to shut down top-tier receivers has been a significant asset for the Packers. In the 2023 season, Alexander continued to demonstrate elite coverage skills, locking down opposing wideouts and preventing big plays. His ability to consistently erase top targets was one of the cornerstones of Green Bay’s defense.
2. **Minkah Fitzpatrick (Pittsburgh Steelers, Safety)**
Another player who may have felt disrespected by the DPOY finalists’ snubs was Minkah Fitzpatrick. The Pittsburgh Steelers safety has established himself as one of the most dynamic playmakers in the NFL. Known for his ability to disrupt the passing game with interceptions and big hits, Fitzpatrick’s presence on the field has been crucial for the Steelers. His knack for coming up with timely turnovers and making game-changing plays was one of the defining aspects of his 2023 campaign.
3. **Aaron Donald (Los Angeles Rams, Defensive Tackle)**
Although he has been in the conversation for DPOY in years past, Aaron Donald’s continued excellence in 2023 could have warranted more consideration. Donald, despite being one of the older players on the list, remained one of the most dominant interior pass rushers in the game. His ability to disrupt both the run and the pass made him a key player for the Rams’ defense, and his disruptive play in the trenches had far-reaching effects for opposing offenses.
4. **Fred Warner (San Francisco 49ers, Linebacker)**
Fred Warner’s elite level of play at linebacker for the San Francisco 49ers cannot go unnoticed. As one of the NFL’s most complete linebackers, Warner’s ability to impact both the run and pass games made him a vital part of San Francisco’s defense. He consistently made plays all over the field and often helped change the momentum of games. Given his multifaceted skills, Warner seemed like a strong candidate for a DPOY finalist nomination.
### The Debate Over What Defines a DPOY Candidate
Xavier McKinney’s reaction also highlighted the ongoing debate about what factors should define a true DPOY candidate. The award often seems to favor players who have high sack totals or impressive defensive statistics, but this can leave out players who may not have as many quantifiable statistics but are just as effective.
For example, while Micah Parsons and T.J. Watt are renowned for their pass-rushing abilities, players like Jaire Alexander and Fred Warner, who might not rack up as many sacks but are elite in coverage and run-stopping, could be just as deserving of the award. McKinney’s comment might be a reflection of this frustration: the idea that the criteria for the DPOY should take into account a wider range of contributions to a defense.
Another element worth discussing is the positional bias that may exist in DPOY voting. Historically, pass rushers like Parsons, Watt, and Donald have had a clear advantage because sacks are a visually appealing stat and easy to measure. However, other positions, such as cornerback, linebacker, and safety, may not get as much recognition despite their importance to their respective defenses.
### Conclusion: A Complex Issue
In the end, Xavier McKinney’s comment on X underscores a larger issue within the NFL’s individual award structure. The “Crazy work” remark reflects the frustration many players feel when deserving candidates are left off the DPOY finalist list, and it raises important questions about the fairness and consistency of the voting process.
While the finalists for the 2023 DPOY award undoubtedly had exceptional seasons, the absence of players like Jaire Alexander, Minkah Fitzpatrick, and Fred Warner—who contributed in pivotal ways for their teams—proves that there’s no one-size-fits-all formula for what defines a true Defensive Player of the Year. Moving forward, it will be interesting to see how the NFL continues to evolve in recognizing the diverse contributions of defensive players, ensuring that all positions are valued fairly in the award process.
In the end, McKinney’s reaction was just one voice among many, but it echoed a sentiment shared by many across the league: Defensive greatness is not always measured in sacks, tackles, or interceptions, but in how a player impacts the game in a variety of ways. The DPOY race will continue to evolve, and perhaps McKinney’s words will inspire a broader conversation about how to recognize defensive excellence.