The eventual recipient of the award in the upcoming season will be determined by a panel made up of six former All-Pro offensive linemen: LeCharles Bentley, Jason Kelce, Shaun O’Hara, Orlando Pace, Will Shields and Andrew Whitworth.
And now that it’s in play, next on Dawkins’ docket is to try to go and win it.
Despite still seeking his first All-Pro selection, the 31-year-old possesses the track record to put capturing the honor within arm’s reach in the coming years. He’s never missed more than a single game in any of his eight seasons and is currently riding a streak for four consecutive Pro Bowls.
Regardless of whether or not he ever wins the award he helped make possible, though, Dawkins’ name will — at the very least — remain forever linked to it.
“This Protector of the Year award is finally giving the big boys up front the respect we deserve,” he said, per a release by the NFL regarding the award. “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.”