Detroit Lions

Lions teammates name Ziggy Ansah defensive MVP

Published Jan. 12, 2016 1:18 p.m. ET

foxsports

The Detroit Lions fielded one of the NFL's most disruptive defensive linemen in Ezekiel Ansah this season. Now his teammates have shown their appreciation for his efforts.

They selected him for Detroit's defensive MVP award, named after Hall of Fame defensive back Lem Barney.

Via the Lions' official Twitter account:

DE @Ziggy_Ansah has been voted the #Lions' Lem Barney defensive MVP by his teammates: https://t.co/pquvcu71ua pic.twitter.com/LJt42jQRPd
— Detroit Lions (@Lions) January 12, 2016

Ansah recorded a career-high 14.5 sacks in 2015; only Houston's J.J. Watt (17.5) and Oakland's Khalil Mack (15.0) had more. The former fifth-overall selection has become a legitimate pass-rushing force for the Lions, after falling short of a double-digit sack total in each of his first two seasons.

New Lions general manager Bob Quinn should easily recognize Ansah as the team's most talented player under the age of 27 and continue to build the defense around him.

Enjoy some of Ansah's highlights from the 2015 season in the video below, courtesy of the Lions' official Twitter account.

.@Ziggy_Ansah was named #Lions defensive MVP by his teammates. Watch his 2015 highlights: https://t.co/vQzQfMii4z. https://t.co/01baqeVLTn
— Detroit Lions (@Lions) January 12, 2016