Bears All-Pro Joe Thuney adds another trophy to his already Hall of Fame worthy résumé that he rightfully earned
The NFL’s first ever Protector of the Year has been announced.
The NFL did a really cool thing this year by creating the Protector of the Year Award, a new award given out at the NFL honors highlighting the top offensive lineman in the league, a position that used to always go unnoticed despite the vital impact they play to the team.
But, it’s not going unrecognized anymore thanks to the panelist of former NFL offensive line standouts that made it happen comprised of LeCharles Bentley, Jason Kelce, Shaun O’Hara, Orlando Pace, Will Shields, Andrew Whitworth.
The award was determined by a criteria that included “protection, durability, leadership, and the unsung heroics” with Chicago Bears left guard Joe Thuney, Denver Broncos offensive tackle Garett Bolles, Miami Dolphins center Aaron Brewer, Kansas City Chiefs center Creed Humphrey, Denver Broncos offensive guard Quinn Meinerz, and Detroit Lions offensive tackle Penei Sewell being the first ever nominees for the award.
Joe Thuney wins NFL’s first ever Protector of the Year at the NFL Honors
The winner of the first ever Protector of the Year is. . . Joe Thuney!
“Super humbling, super thankful,” Thuney said while at the Pro Bowl. “Shoutout to Dion Dawkins, Roger Goodell, and the NFL for creating this award. It’s really cool and very humbling to shine a light on our position, it’s an honor to be mentioned along the current players who are also finalists. The panelists and judges that made the decision, just to be in that conversation is amazing and I’m very thankful.”
Thuney finished the regular season as one of two players (Garrett Bolles) to play 750+ pass blocking snaps and allow zero sacks. He was just as prolific as a run blocker leading the way for one of the top rushing offenses in the league. The most impressive feat was Thuney’s selflessness moving from left guard to left tackle in the divisional round of the playoffs and allowing zero sacks in that game. It’s a true honor that was well-deserved and finally awarded.
“Most O-line guys don’t like recognition, but I still think it’s great to honor people who don’t always get the limelight,” Thuney added. “I think it’s great to celebrate it.”
The crowded trophy case for Thuney will need to clean out one more spot to go along with his four Super Bowl rings, four Pro Bowl selections, and three first-team All Pro selections.
What a pickup Thuney was by the Bears and someone who’s well on his way to being selected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame when it’s all said and done.
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