Question

Cortez Kennedy passed away yesterday -- found dead in his home in Orlando at age 48. His Hall of Fame career was highlighted by him being named the Defensive Player of the Year in 1992 despite playing for a 2-14 team -- by far the worst record for any team with a player to win this award. Of the 46 winners of this award, which played on the team finishing with the best record?

Answer

Mike Singletary, winning in 1985 for the 15-1 Bears. Four others have played on teams finishing slightly below .500 -- Jason Taylor, 2006 Dolphins (6-10), Michael Strahan, 2001 Giants (7-9), Reggie White, 1987 Eagles (7-8), and Lawrence Taylor, 1982 Giants (4-5). Taylor also won when the Giants went 14-2 in 1986.