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Aidan Hutchinson Is Favorite to Win 2025 Defensive Player of the Year

Aidan Hutchinson expected to return and play at a high level following leg injury.

John Maakaron

Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff (16) celebrates 26-20 win over L.A. Rams with defensive end Aidan Hutchinson (97)
Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff (16) celebrates 26-20 win over L.A. Rams with defensive end Aidan Hutchinson (97) / Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK
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Detroit Lions defensive lineman Aidan Hutchinson is expected to return in 2025 healthy and ready to resume playing at a high level.

Through nearly the first two months of his third NFL season, the former No. 2 overall pick played like one of the best at his position. He secured 7.5 sacks before suffering a season-ending injury in the team's fifth game.

Had he remained healthy, many were expecting the former Michigan Wolverines defensive lineman to be in serious contention to win his first Defensive Player of the Year award.

Heading into 2025, the 24-year-old currently has the best odds to win the Defensive Player of the Year award (+700), via DraftKings.

Recently appearing on radio row, Hutchinson detailed what it was like for him in the first couple of day after he broke his fibula and tibia against the Dallas Cowboys.

“It’s the worst. I’ve had a season-ending injury before but this one, that tibia break, was an absolute monster," Hutchinson said during a recent appearance on The Pat McAfee Show. "I stayed in the hospital in Dallas for a couple days after I got hurt there, and those were probably the two most miserable days I’ve had in my whole life. Questioning, you’ve got the damn beeping going off in the hospital the whole time. People are coming in there, checking your vitals every two minutes, so I’m happy I’m done with that.” 

Since 1971, when the Associated Press began giving out the award annually, no Lions player has ever earned the award.

Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change.

If you or someone you know has a gambling problem and wants help, call 1-800-GAMBLER.

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John Maakaron
JOHN MAAKARON

John Maakaron has covered Detroit Sports since 2013. Brings a vast array of experience covering the Detroit Tigers, Detroit Lions, Michigan Wolverines, Michigan State Spartans, Detroit Mercy Titans, and Oakland University Golden Grizzlies. John brings a wealth of sports broadcast experience. In 2013, John had the vision to establish the Detroit Sports Podcast Network. Has recorded over 3000 podcasts analyzing Detroit Sports. In 2019, Sports Illustrated Media Group, a historical sports media outlet, partnered with Detroit Sports Podcast to provide daily Lions content for their growing and expanding digital media outlet. Our Lions content can also be read in the newspaper at The Oakland  Passionate about Detroit Sports and it is reflected in his coverage of the local teams!

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