Will Anderson Jr. is the 2023 AP NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year.

The former Alabama star won the award Thursday night during the 13th annual NFL Honors. He was joined at the ceremony by teammate and Houston Texans quarterback CJ Stroud, who won the NFL’s Offensive Rookie of the Year award.

Anderson is the third former Alabama player all-time to take home the award. He was voted the winner over Philadelphia Eagles defensive tackle Jalen Carter, Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Joey Porter Jr., Los Angeles Rams defensive tackle Kobie Turner, and Seattle Seahawks cornerback Devon Witherspoon.

Anderson received 16 first-place votes, 21 second-place votes, and eight third-place votes. Carter finished second.

“To the Texans organization, the McNairs (ownership), Nick (Caserio), DeMeco (Ryans), words can’t even explain,” Anderson said. “Y’all drafted me, coming up to get me, that means the absolute world to me. Thank y’all so much for believing in me, trusting in me to be a part of this organization. I’m forever grateful.”

Houston traded up to No. 3 in last April’s draft to select Anderson one spot after Stroud. In doing so, the Texans found a building block for Ryans’ new defense. Houston sent the Arizona Cardinals the No. 12 and No. 33 overall picks in the 2023 draft, as well as first- and third-round picks in 2024 to make the deal happen.

After three outstanding seasons as a disruptive wrecking ball with the Crimson Tide, Anderson was more of the same at the NFL level.

He played in 15 games with 13 starts, finishing the season with 45 tackles, 10 tackles for loss, 22 quarterback hits, and seven sacks. Anderson was fourth among rookies in sacks and led his class in quarterback hits. His 64 quarterback pressures also led all NFL rookies.

For his efforts, he became just the seventh defensive rookie drafted in the top three to make the Pro Bowl since 1970. In winning the Rookie of the Year award on Thursday night, he joined his coach (Ryans in 2006) and Brian Cushing (2009) as the Texans’ third-ever Defensive Rookie of the Year winner.

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