Jan. 29, 2026, 5:45 p.m. ET
Detroit Lions right tackle Penei Sewell is a finalist for the inaugural Protector of the Year Award, the NFL announced Thursday.
The award recognizes exceptional offensive line play over an individual NFL season, with the winner determined by a panel of NFL “legends.”
“This performance-based evaluation and peer-to-peer approach shines a spotlight on a position group that is essential to team success yet often underrepresented in traditional awards,” the NFL said in their announcement.
Sewell joins the following nominees for Protector of the Year:
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“The offensive line carries the weight of the game. Durability, endurance, leadership and consistency define their work, even when the spotlight rarely finds them,” said Troy Vincent Sr., NFL executive vice president of football operations.
“Protector of the Year is about recognizing the vital role these tremendous athletes play and celebrating excellence where it starts, up front.”
The panel selected to choose the winner of the award includes:
LeCharles Bentley, two-time Pro Bowl selectionJason Kelce, six-time All-Pro and Super Bowl LII championShaun O’Hara, three-time Pro Bowl selection and Super Bowl XLII championOrlando Pace, Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2016 and Super Bowl XXXIV championWill Shields, Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2015 and 2003 Walter Payton NFL Man of the YearAndrew Whitworth, 2021 Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year and Super Bowl LVI champion
According to the NFL, the winner is selected based solely on their performance during the 2025 season, and players are evaluated based on the following criteria:
Protector of the Year is based strictly on performance during the 2025 season. The panel evaluated players using the following criteria:
Quality of competition (quality and consistency of defensive fronts faced)Availability to teammates (presence on the field, leadership)Durability (ability to meet the physical demands of the season)Weekly consistency (sustained performance across the full schedule)Video validation (film review confirming execution, technique, and situational impact)Football analytics (advanced metrics tied to pass protection, run blocking, discipline, and team efficiency)
Sewell was named First-Team All-Pro for a third straight year in 2025 and earned his fourth straight Pro Bowl selection. He was already named Pro Football Focus’ Protector of the Year for this season.
The winner of the award will be announced at NFL Honors on Thursday, Feb. 5.
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