London Fletcher is 37 years old and had a sprained ankle that kept him out of many practices, but the Washington Redskins linebacker still managed to be the NFC Defensive Player of the Month for December, as the trophy was announced Thursday.

The Redskins' captain played in all five of Washington's games - -after all, he's played in every game for the last 15 seasons, with his 240 games the longest active streak in the NFL -- recording 51 tackles, the second most in the league.

Fletcher was the only player in the NFL with three interceptions and two sacks in December, and also had four pass breakups. He was forced to leave games in back-to-back weeks with his ankle injury in November, but has been able to stay on the field while resting the ankle during the week instead of practicing.

Somehow, Fletcher is improving with age: he's made the Pro Bowl three straight times after never making it in the first 11 years of his career, and led the league in tackles last season. His 139 tackles this year was the third-highest total of his career, while his 11 pass breakups was the best number he's ever recorded.