Singletary Named Top Defensive Player by AP

Mike Singletary, the centerpiece of a Chicago defense that had a decidedly different cast than the NFL championship team of three years ago, today was named the Associated Press defensive player of the year for helping lead the Bears to their fifth straight NFC Central title.

Singletary, the team’s middle linebacker and inspirational leader, also had been named top defensive player in 1985 and was an overwhelming pick in the balloting by writers and sportscasters who covered the NFL’s 28 teams.

He got 33 votes, compared to 10 each for Keith Millard of Minnesota and Reggie White of Philadelphia, last year’s winner. Bruce Smith and Cornelius Bennett of Buffalo had seven each and three-time winner Lawrence Taylor of the Giants six.

This year, Singletary had 170 tackles, 89 solo, as he roamed from sideline to sideline, helping make up for the loss of his longtime outside running mates Otis Wilson, who was lost for the season with a knee injury, and Wilber Marshall, who signed with Washington as a free agent.

Although his on-field work was immense, his off-the-field contributions were more significant.

In Chicago’s final game at Minnesota, for example, Singletary took over in the locker room at half-time with the Bears trailing 21-3. “Singletary gave my speech,” coach Mike Ditka said.

In the second half, the Bears came roaring back, but they finally lost 28-27.