Andrew Whitworth hasn’t played in the NFL since 2021, but he’s still helping out his fellow offensive linemen.

After the NFL announced a new Protector of the Year award for offensive linemen, Los Angeles Rams president Kevin Demoff posted on X that Whitworth played a big role in pushing for offensive linemen to be recognized.

“Credit to @AndrewWhitworth and others for “pushing” for offensive linemen to be recognized,” Demoff wrote. “Long overdue and deserving.”

Buffalo Bills offensive linemen Dion Dawkins also played a role in the new award, per ESPN’s Brooke Pryor.

The winner of the new award will be determined by a committee of former NFL offensive linemen, according to NFL executive vice president of football operations Troy Vincent. The committee will include Whitworth, for Kansas City Chiefs lineman Will Shields, former Philadelphia Eagles center Jason Kelce and former New Orleans Saints and Cleveland Browns lineman LeCharles Bentley.

Whitworth later posted on X about how “it’s time for men who lead, protect, and never ask for credit are recognized as the backbone of this game.”

He also wrote that “This award means everything to the big guys up front. 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!”

“@NFL Protector of the Year Award”

This award means everything to the big guys up front. 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…

— Andrew Whitworth (@AndrewWhitworth) May 21, 2025

Whitworth was one of the best offensive linemen during his time in the NFL. He was named to four Pro Bowls (one of which with the Rams) and two All-Pro teams (one with the Rams). Whitworth played a huge role in the Rams’ Super Bowl victory in 2021 as well.

The Rams still have a solid offensive line heading into 2025 with Alaric Jackson, Rob Havenstein, Steve Avila, Kevin Dotson and center Coleman Shelton.