Bears OL Joe Thuney wins first-ever NFL Protector of the Year award

Joe Thuney, an offensive lineman for the Chicago Bears, made history by becoming the first recipient of the Protector of the Year Award at the NFL Honors event in San Francisco. Thuney was chosen over finalists including Quinn Meinerz and Garett Bolles of the Denver Broncos, Aaron Brewer of the Miami Dolphins, Creed Humphrey of the Kansas City Chiefs, and Penei Sewell of the Detroit Lions. The award, introduced to recognize the league's most outstanding offensive lineman for the season, was advocated by former NFL players Andrew Whitworth and Dion Dawkins. The winner was selected by a committee of NFL Legends, including LeCharles Bentley, Jason Kelce, Shaun O'Hara, Andrew Whitworth, Orlando Pace, and Will Shields.