There’s finally a year-end award for the offensive linemen, and the Bears could have a player who will be in the running.
In case you missed it, last week the NFL announced that for the first time ever, the unsung heroes of every football team, the offensive linemen, will receive their own year-end award.
Starting with the 2025 season, the Protector of the Year Award will honor the best offensive lineman each year and will be presented at NFL Honors along with other top awards, like players of the year, MVP, and the Walter Payton Man of the Year Award.
Also, for the first time in a really long time, the Chicago Bears have a player up front who could be a candidate for such an award. Their trade for Joe Thuney, one of the best offensive linemen in the league, brings legit credibility to the unit.
In 2024, with the Kansas City Chiefs, Thuney was selected as a First-Team All-Pro for the second consecutive year, and he was also named to his third consecutive Pro Bowl team. In 2022, he was named Second Team All-Pro in 2019 while with the New England Patriots.
The Protector of the Year Award winner will be selected by a panel of former offensive linemen by using this set of categories;
- Skill Metrics: pass-block win rate, run-block win rate, penalties allowed, sacks allowed, helmet contact
- Impact: contribution to the team’s offensive success (e.g., total rushing yards, QB protection stats)
- Leadership: display of leadership, teamwork, and consistency on and off the field
- Durability: minimum number of snaps, games played
- Strength of Opponent: Success vs. high-performing defenders
If the 2025 season plays out as it could for the Bears, Thuney should be up there in all five. His skill has been evidenced during his nine-year career. The impact on Chicago’s o-line should be massive, considering how the unit played a season ago. His credibility as a leader is bolstered by his four Super Bowl rings. And the NFC North should be a very strong division.