As the 2023-24 NFL regular season comes to a close, the Associated Press has announced the finalists for the prestigious 2023 season awards. Among the contenders are Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt and rookie cornerback Joey Porter Jr., who are vying for the titles of AP Defensive Player of the Year and Defensive Rookie of the Year, respectively.

The awards will be presented during the highly anticipated NFL Honors Ceremony, scheduled to take place on February 8, 2024, at 9 p.m. ET. Watt and Porter Jr. find themselves competing alongside four other finalists for their respective honors.

The conversation surrounding the Defensive Player of the Year award has garnered significant attention this year, with intense debate centered around the impressive performances of AFC North rivals T.J. Watt and Myles Garrett of the Cleveland Browns. Both players were named First Team All-Pro earlier this month, but various organizations have offered differing opinions on who should be crowned "Defensive Player of the Year."

The Pro Football Writers of America (PFWA) deemed Garrett worthy of the prestigious title, while the 101 Committee awarded Watt with the honor, marking the third time in his career that he has received the distinction.

However, Steelers Communications Manager Michael Pertsch has suggested that when it comes to productivity this season, the disparity between Watt and Garrett is not up for debate. The statistics clearly favor Watt, highlighting his outstanding contribution to the Steelers' defense.

Fans and experts alike eagerly await the NFL Honors Ceremony, where a winner will finally be announced. Until then, the finalists can bask in the recognition bestowed upon their remarkable performances throughout the 2023 NFL season.

Excitement continues to build as the football world eagerly awaits the announcement of the AP Defensive Player of the Year and Defensive Rookie of the Year at the upcoming NFL Honors Ceremony.