Zimmer’s wife, Vicki, passed away suddenly on Oct. 8 in the family’s home. The couple had been married 27 years. Three days later, Zimmer was with the team, with family members on the trip, for the Bengals’ game in Baltimore, which they won, 17-14. For the 2009 season, the Bengals ranked fourth in the NFL in total defense, their highest ranking since 1993.

   Said Zimmer, "Anytime your name is mentioned with George Halas, and all the other people who have won this award in the past, it's a terrific honor. It's a credit to our players and coaches, (head coach) Marvin (Lewis), and my kids. They helped me hang in through the adversity. If I hadn't had them, it would have been harder to continue on. Our veteran core group of players really helped me in a number of ways. They were a strength for me."