Chicago Bears left guard Joe Thuney made NFL history Thursday night by winning the first-ever Protector of the Year award at NFL Honors. The 33-year-old veteran beat five other elite offensive linemen to claim this brand-new honor recognizing the league’s best offensive lineman.
The NFL created this award to shine a spotlight on offensive linemen who rarely get individual recognition despite their crucial role in team success. A panel of former NFL stars including Jason Kelce, Orlando Pace, Will Shields and Andrew Whitworth voted to determine the winner.
Thuney’s 2025 season with the Bears made him the clear choice. He didn’t allow a single sack during the regular season while playing 1,149 offensive snaps. That’s the second-most among all guards in the league. He gave up just one quarterback hit and 15 pressures all year while getting penalized only twice.
His impact transformed the entire Bears offense. Chicago allowed 68 sacks in 2024 but cut that number to just 24 sacks in 2025. That ranked third-best in the entire NFL. Rookie quarterback Caleb Williams set a franchise record for passing yards behind this dramatically improved offensive line.
The running game got better too. The Bears jumped from 27th in rushing to third overall. Chicago became the only team with two running backs gaining over 750 yards each. Thuney helped create those holes game after game.
Thuney even showed his versatility in the playoffs. Left tackle Ozzy Trapilo went down with a season-ending knee injury before the divisional round. Bears coach Ben Johnson moved Thuney from guard to tackle to face the Rams and their dangerous pass rusher Jared Verse. Thuney didn’t allow a sack while playing out of position.
The Bears acquired Thuney from Kansas City for just a fourth-round pick before the 2025 season. Bears general manager Ryan Poles made one of his best trades as Thuney earned First-Team All-Pro honors and helped Chicago win the NFC North with an 11-6 record.
Thuney beat out a strong group of finalists including Denver tackle Garett Bolles, Detroit tackle Penei Sewell, Kansas City center Creed Humphrey, Denver guard Quinn Meinerz and Miami center Aaron Brewer. Bolles was the only other lineman who played over 750 pass-blocking snaps without allowing a sack.
This award adds to Thuney’s impressive career that includes four Super Bowl rings, four Pro Bowl selections and three First-Team All-Pro honors. The former third-round pick out of NC State by the Patriots in 2016 has built a Hall of Fame resume over 10 NFL seasons.
Thuney thanked the NFL for creating an award that recognizes offensive linemen. He said most guys on the line don’t like attention but appreciated the chance to celebrate players who don’t usually get the spotlight. His historic win as the first Protector of the Year winner cements his legacy as one of the best guards of his generation.
