The Steelers safety earns the award over the Packers linebacker, advantage Pittsburgh.

Polamalu received 17 votes Monday from a nationwide panel of 50 media members who cover the league, edging Green Bay linebacker Clay Matthews by two votes.

Polamalu had seven interceptions this season along with 63 tackles despite missing two games with an achilles injury.

Matthews finished the season with 60 tackles and 13 1/2 sacks.

James Harrison, Julius Peppers, Brian Urlacher, Ed Reed, and Haloti Ngata were the other players to receive votes in the poll.

Tags: AP Defensive Player of the Year, Clay Matthews, Green Bay Packers, NFL, Pittsburgh Steelers, Troy Polamalu