Jan. 7 (Bloomberg) -- Bob Sanders of the Indianapolis Colts was voted the National Football League's Defensive Player of the Year.

The 26-year-old safety received 31 of 50 votes from a nationwide media panel in balloting conducted by the Associated Press. He easily beat out Seattle defensive end Patrick Kerney and Tennessee tackle Albert Haynesworth, who received four votes apiece.

Sanders had 96 tackles, 3 1/2 sacks and two interceptions as he led a Colts' defense that allowed a league-low 262 points. He also was an integral part of the Colts' postseason run to last year's Super Bowl title after missing the entire regular season.

Also receiving votes were defensive back Antonio Cromartie of San Diego with three; linebackers Mike Vrabel of New England and DeMarcus Ware of Dallas with two; and cornerback Ronde Barber of Tampa Bay, linebackers James Harrison of Pittsburgh and Patrick Willis of San Francisco, and end Mario Williams of Houston with one each.

To contact the reporter on this story: Larry DiTore in New York at lditore@bloomberg.net

Last Updated: January 7, 2008 14:35 EST