HOUSTON, TX – Former University at Buffalo linebacker Khalil Mack was named the 2016 National Football League Defensive Player of the Year on Saturday night. Mack, a defensive end for the Oakland Raiders, received the award at the NFL Honors in Houston on the eve of Super Bowl LI.
Mack, who just completed his third year in the NFL, earned his second consecutive trip to the Pro Bowl after another stellar season. He had 73 tackles and 11 sacks on the season. He added five forced fumbles and had an interception (returned for a touchdown). Mack already has 30 sacks over his three-year career, including 26 over the last two seasons.