1977 NFL Defensive Lineman of the Year - Mike Barnes

[Bryan]

This achievement was referenced in the 1977 Colts season highlight video. Does anyone know if this was some type of 'official' award and, if so, who the past recipients were? Also, what were Mike Barnes' unofficial stats for the 1977 season?

[JohnTurney]

This achievement was referenced in the 1977 Colts season highlight video. Does anyone know if this was some type of 'official' award and, if so, who the past recipients were? Also, what were Mike Barnes' unofficial stats for the 1977 season?

Banes won the NFLPA Mack Truck Bulldog Award (poll of NFL offensive linemen). He had 51 tackles, 12 were for losses and 8½ sacks and forced 3 fumbles.

[MatthewToy]

Karate's Bad Boy Mike Barnes?

[BD Sullivan]

Jerry Sherk had won it two years earlier--even though the Browns were 3-11.

[JohnTurney]

1975: Jerry Sherk, DT, Cle -
1976: Wally Chambers, DT, Chi -
1977: Mike Barnes, DT, Bal--- John Hannah, OG, NE
1978: Randy White, DT, Dal--- John Hannah, OG, NE
1979: Lee Roy Selmon, DE, TB--- John Hannah, OG, NE
1980: Gary Johnson, DT, SD--- John Hannah, OG, NE
1981: Fred Dean, DE, SF--- John Hannah, OG, NE

[NWebster]

That John Hannah was alright huh?

I actually really like this award as it was voted on by linemen who probably watched more film on these guys than anyone else. And it shows, I like how it favors the interior guys, not just the sack artists that writers tended to go for, even back then.

[paulksandiego]

This achievement was referenced in the 1977 Colts season highlight video. Does anyone know if this was some type of 'official' award and, if so, who the past recipients were? Also, what were Mike Barnes' unofficial stats for the 1977 season?

Banes won the NFLPA Mack Truck Bulldog Award (poll of NFL offensive linemen). He had 51 tackles, 12 were for losses and 8½ sacks and forced 3 fumbles.

Lyle Alzado came in 2nd with Cleveland Elam placing 3rd.

[JohnTurney]

Lyle Alzado came in 2nd with Cleveland Elam placing 3rd.

Interestingly, often the NFL Lineman of the Year was the same as the NFC or AFC DLOY, but 1977 was one of the couple of exceptions. Alzado was the AFC DLOY but Barnes on the NFL Bulldog Award.

[Bryan]

Thanks to everyone who posted in this thread. The replies were all very helpful.