For the first time ever, the NFL will honor the best offensive lineman in the league with the Protector of the Year Award, and as I speculated nine months ago, the Chicago Bears do indeed have a legitimate candidate for the award.
The other nominees for the Protector of the Year Award are Denver Broncos tackle Garett Bolles, Broncos guard Quinn Meinerz, Miami Dolphins center Aaron Brewer, Kansas City Chiefs center Creed Humphrey, and Detroit Lions tackle Penei Sewell.
This year, Thuney made his fourth consecutive Pro Bowl and his third consecutive First Team All-Pro. He also has two other Second Team All-Pros on his resume.
The Protector of the Year Award winner will be announced on February 5 at NFL Honors and will be selected by a panel of former offensive linemen guided by this criteria.
Thuney’s impact on the 2025 Bears was massive, and he had high marks in all of the above, so while the other nominees are incredible football players, I would not be surprised if Thuney took home the honor.