ALLEN PARK, Mich. -- He had started to establish himself as one of the top linebackers in the NFL. Now, he's considered the top defensive player in his conference over the first month of the season.

DeAndre Levy was named the NFC's defensive player of the month for September after making 38 tackles and intercepting a pass over the first month of the season.

It didn't hurt, either, that the Lions are 3-1 and have the top-rated defense in the NFL.

He is the first Lions defensive player of the month in the NFC since 1998, when Stephen Boyd was given the honor that November. Levy is now the third Detroit player to be named NFC defensive player of the month since 1991, joining Boyd and cornerback Ray Crockett, who was given the award in November, 1991.

Levy is the first Lions player to get a Player of the Month award in September since kicker Jason Hanson did in 2011, and the first offensive or defensive player to pick up the award in September since Barry Sanders in 1991.

Ever wonder how Levy trains? Here's a look into his method.