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New Protector of the Year Award to Honor Offensive Linemen
A new Protector of the Year Award will honor the best offensive lineman each season beginning in 2025. The award, which will be presented annually at NFL Honors to the best offensive lineman of the season, symbolizes protection, durability, and the unsung heroics of the players who shield their teammates and drive their teams forward.
“This award means everything to the big guys up front,” said Andrew Whitworth, tackle (Cincinnati Bengals and Los Angeles Rams, 2006-2021) and 2021 Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year. “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 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.
"This Protector of the Year award is finally giving the big boys up front the respect we deserve,” said Dion Dawkins, guard (Buffalo Bills, 2017 - Present) and four-time Pro Bowler. “I've been knocking on doors and spearheading this movement because offensive linemen are the true foundation of every team's success. We might not have all the fancy stats as the skinnies or end up on a highlight reel every week, but without us, there's no rushing titles, passing titles, or touchdowns. This award is for all the unsung heroes who put in work every snap. I won’t stop fighting to give offensive linemen the respect and recognition we deserve.”
The Protector of the Year Award was championed by Dawkins, and the winner will be selected by a panel of former offensive linemen, based on the following criteria:
- 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
The panel will review stats related to the criteria above, determine their top five nominees, and then select one winner from that shortlist. As a current player, Dawkins is unable to serve as a member of the panel, which includes:
- LeCharles Bentley – center/guard (New Orleans Saints and Cleveland Browns, 2002-2007), two-time Pro Bowl Selection and first-team All-Pro
- Jason Kelce – center (Philadelphia Eagles 2011-2023), seven-time Pro Bowl Selection, six-time First Team All-Pro, named to NFL’s 2010s All-Decade Team, and Super Bowl LII champion
- Shaun O’Hara – center (Cleveland Browns and New York Giants, 2000-2010), three-time All-Pro and Super Bowl XLII champion
- Orlando Pace – tackle (St. Louis Rams and Chicago Bears 1997-2009), five-time All-Pro, named to NFL’s 2000s All-Decade Team, and Super Bowl XXXIV champion
- Will Shields – guard (Kansas City Chiefs, 1993-2006), 12-time Pro Bowl selection, three-time First-Team All-Pro, 2023 Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year, and Pro Football Hall of Fame inductee (2015)
- Andrew Whitworth – tackle (Cincinnati Bengals and Los Angeles Rams, 2006-2021), two first-team All-Pro Selections, 2021 Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year, and Super Bowl LVI champion
“It is time to give the true athletes a chance to show their skills,” said Shields. “Get ready for the big guys to have a great season!"
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