Bears’ Joe Thuney Named Finalist for Inaugural Protector of the Year Award

In the inaugural season for the award, Chicago Bears OG Joe Thuney has been named a finalist for the Protector of the Year Award.

The NFL has finally taken the time to award offensive linemen. 2026 marks the inaugural awarding of the “Protector of the Year”, an award to showcase the best offensive lineman in the game. Among the finalists in the first season is Chicago Bears guard Joe Thuney.

Thuney had a spectacular first season in the Windy City. The three-time First-Team AP All-Pro started all 17 games without allowing a single sack. In addition, Thuney allowed just one QB hit, 11 pressures, and committed only two penalties, a pair of false starts, all season.

Without a doubt, Thuney is completely deserving of the award despite a lot of great names on the finalist list. As one of two guards on the list, Thuney could take home the first ever Protector of the Year Award. Selfishly, Thuney is completely deserving and should win the award.

Story continues below.

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Let the propaganda start now for Thuney’s name to grace the trophy.