Pair of Los Angeles Rams legends leading committee to decide prestigious new NFL award for the foreseeable future
In a new awesome change for the league, the NFL announced a new award called the Protector of the Year award. This award goes out in recognition of the best offensive lineman of the season. In my opinion, it's about time linemen got some recognition, and this is a great first step to doing so. […]
In a new awesome change for the league, the NFL announced a new award called the Protector of the Year award. This award goes out in recognition of the best offensive lineman of the season. In my opinion, it's about time linemen got some recognition, and this is a great first step to doing so.
To decide who earns this award every season, the NFL put together a committee of six former offensive linemen who will convene and decide. The committee will nominate five linemen before announcing the winner at NFL Honors, alongside the MVP and other notable awards.
According to the NFL's official site, the award is designed to bring well-deserved recognition to the big men up front.
"The award honors individual excellence and spotlights offensive linemen, whose contributions are often overlooked in the highlight-driven nature of football. It cements their role as the foundation of every great offense. Currently, offensive linemen are the only players who aren’t eligible for most on-field awards."
A pair of Rams' legendary offensive linemen are part of the six-man committee who will decide the award. Andrew Whitworth, who helped the Rams win Super Bowl LVI and is a likely future Hall of Famer, will be joined by Rams Hall of Famer Orlando Pace to vote on the award.
Whitworth actually spearheaded the creation of the award, alongside Buffalo Bills left tackle Dion Dawkins.
“This award means everything to the big guys up front,” said Whitworth,“The Protector of the Year isn’t just about stats – it’s about the mindset, grit, and leadership it takes to be the foundation of a football team. It’s time the men who lead, protect, and never ask for credit are recognized as the backbone of this game.”
The two have combined for 11 All-Pro nominations and 11 Pro Bowl nods, as well as a pair of Super Bowl rings, while manning the blindside role for the Rams.
Joining Pace and Whitworth are four other former NFL offensive linemen: LeCharles Bentley, Jason Kelce, Shaun O'Hara, and Will Shields.
