2009 NFL Defensive Player of the Year by Kent Steinike

Do you know who was named the National Football League 2009 Defensive Player of the Year? If you're from the state of Wisconsin or a Green Bay Packers fan then you likely know the answer is Charles Woodson. With 74 tackles and 9 interceptions (3 of which were returned for touchdowns), Woodson received twice as many votes as the runner up, Darrelle Revis, of the New York Jets.

Charles Woodson became the ultimate playmaker in 2009 as the Green Bay Packers switched to a 3-4 base defense under defensive coordinator Dom Capers. The switch in defense allowed the Packers to use Woodson as safety and blitz specialist. When the Packers signed Woodson to a large free agent contract in 2007, many thought he was washed up, injury-prone and would not make it through his 4-year contract. However, Woodson is playing the best football of his career right now. He's originally from Freemont, Ohio, and is a former Heisman trophy winner at the University of Michigan. During his 12 years in the NFL, he has 717 total tackles, 11.5 sacks and 45 interceptions.

Along with his popularity, demand for Charles Woodson merchandise, especially jerseys, has soared to a new high in 2009. Many online and store retailers have been unable to keep his merchandise stocked, with items flying off the shelves the same day they arrive.