By William Armstead –
The Protector of the Year award was created to highlight the league’s under-recognized positions. Led by Dion Dawkins and presented each year at NFL Honors, the award recognizes the NFL’s most outstanding offensive lineman of the season. Selected by an elite panel of former NFL greats, the honor uses a performance-based and peer-evaluated system to elevate a position group essential to winning yet rarely highlighted in major awards.
The finalists include:
Garett Bolles, Denver Broncos, Tackle
Aaron Brewer, Miami Dolphins, Center
Creed Humphrey, Kansas City Chiefs, Center
Quinn Meinerz, Denver Broncos, Guard
Penei Sewell, Detroit Lions, Tackle
Joe Thuney, Chicago Bears, Guard
Troy Vincent Sr., NFL executive vice president of football operations, discusses the grind of these linemen. “The offensive line carries the weight of the game. Durability, endurance, leadership and consistency define their work, even when the spotlight rarely finds them. Protector of the Year is about recognizing the vital role these tremendous athletes play and celebrating excellence where it starts, up front.”
The award is determined by a panel of former All-Pro offensive linemen, who use their championship/playoff experience and deep understanding of the position to make their picks. These NFL legends have hands-on knowledge of the preparation, technique, and physical demands required to be a successful NFL offensive lineman. The committee includes:
- LeCharles Bentley, two-time Pro Bowl selection
- Jason Kelce, six-time All-Pro and Super Bowl LII champion
- Shaun O’Hara, three-time Pro Bowl selection and Super Bowl XLII champion
- Orlando Pace, Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2016 and Super Bowl XXXIV champion
- Will Shields, Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2015 and 2003 Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year
- Andrew Whitworth, 2021 Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year and Super Bowl LVI champion
The finalists were assessed by using the following rubric:
- Quality of competition
- Availability to teammates
- Durability
- Weekly consistency
- Video validation/film review
- Football analytics