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The 'NFL AP Defensive Rookies of the Year' quiz

Created on July 16, 2025 | Total tries: 114 | Average Score: 18.7 out of 25 (75%) | Quiz FAQ

The New York Jets are in yet another period of transition with a new head coach and starting quarterback for the 2025 NFL season, but there will be some holdovers from the Robert Saleh/Aaron Rodgers era. One day after extending wide receiver Garrett Wilson, the Jets made defensive back Sauce Gardner the highest-paid CB in the NFL with a four-year, $120.4 million contract extension. Wilson and Gardner were both first round picks for the Jets in the 2022 NFL Draft, winning Offensive and Defensive Rookie of the Year honors.

“The deal is DONE,” Gardner posted on social media.

“I appreciate the Jets organization for believing in me, my teammates for the blood, sweat and tears we put in, and JETS NATION…I appreciate y'all supporting me.”

Which brings us to today’s quiz. Gardner has already added two Pro Bowls and first-team All-NFL honors to his resume to go with his Defensive Rookie of the Year award. With that being said, how many of the players to be named Defensive Rookie of the Year since 2000 can you name in five minutes?

Good luck!

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Quiz Clue: Season / Team / Position / Jersey # | Created on July 16, 2025 | Total tries: 114 | Average Score: 18.7 out of 25 (75%) | Quiz FAQ

SCORE:
0/25

TIME:
5:00

2024 / LAR / LB / #8

2023 / HOU / DE / #51

2022 / NYJ / CB / #1

2021 / DAL / LB / #11

2020 / WAS / DE / #99

2019 / SF / DE / #97

2018 / IND / LB / #53

2017 / NO / CB / #23

2016 / SD / DE / #99

2015 / KC / CB / #22

2014 / STL / DT / #99

2013 / NYJ / DE / #91

2012 / CAR / LB / #59

2011 / DEN / LB / #58

2010 / DET / DT / #90

2009 / HOU / LB / #56

2008 / NE / LB / #51

2007 / SF / LB / #52

2006 / HOU / LB / #59

2005 / SD / LB / #56

2004 / NYJ / LB / #51

2003 / BAL / LB / #55

2002 / CAR / DE / #90

2001 / PIT / LB / #97

2000 / CHI / LB / #54

Tommy Fradenburg is a freelance writer and an alumni of UNC Chapel Hill currently based in Charlotte, North Carolina. He religiously follows his favorite teams The New York Yankees and Dallas Cowboys (yes, he knows) as well as his alma mater the Tar Heels and West Ham United F.C. in the Premier League. See more of his work on Twitter @tommyfradenburg.

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