The NFL’s annual awards season is typically a celebration of star power, with quarterbacks, pass rushers, offensive playmakers, and coaches dominating the headlines. This year is no different when the league released its list of finalists for MVP, Offensive and Defensive Player of the Year, Offensive and Defensive Rookie of the Year, Comeback Player of the Year, Coach of the Year, and Assistant Coach of the Year.
Yet one noticeable omission quickly ignited conversation across social media and football circles: there were no finalists announced for the newly created Protector of the Year Award.
While the absence raised eyebrows, the explanation is rooted more in structure than controversy. Still, it has reopened a broader discussion about the long-overdue spotlight on offensive linemen.
Why Protector of the Year Was Left Out
The finalists released by the NFL were determined through the Associated Press’ voting system, which was revamped in 2022. Under that format, voters rank their top five selections for MVP and their top three for all other awards.
Protector of the Year, however, is not an AP award.
Instead, it’s a league-backed honor that will debut at NFL Honors this year. Because it operates independently of the AP voting system, no official list of finalists was released alongside the traditional awards.
For many fans and players, the lack of any acknowledgement felt like a reminder of the very issue the award is meant to address: offensive linemen don’t get much love and often exist outside the spotlight.
A Long-Overdue Spotlight on the Unsung Heroes
GettyDion Dawkins #73 and Josh Allen #17 of the Buffalo Bills celebrate after scoring a touchdown in the second quarter against the Detroit Lions.
Protector of the Year represents a shift in how the league recognizes on-field contributions. For decades, offensive linemen have been largely excluded from awards tied to their individual performance.
“This award means everything to the big guys up front,” said former tackle Andrew Whitworth, a Super Bowl champion and Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year. “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.”
The award wouldn’t be a thing if it weren’t due to Buffalo Bills left tackle Dion Dawkins, who spent years advocating for formal recognition of offensive linemen. His persistence eventually turned into real momentum through conversations with NFL leadership, including commissioner Roger Goodell.
“This Protector of the Year award is finally giving the big boys up front the respect we deserve,” Dawkins said. “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.”
How the Award Will Be Decided
Unlike AP-voted honors, Protector of the Year will be selected by a panel of former standout offensive linemen. The panel includes LeCharles Bentley, Jason Kelce, Shaun O’Hara, Orlando Pace, Will Shields, and Andrew Whitworth. How these six legends will decide a winner will be based on the following criteria:
- Skill Metrics: pass-block win rate, run-block win rate, penalties allowed, sacks allowed, helmet contact
- Impact: contribution to the team’s offensive success (e.g., total rushing yards, QB protection stats)
- Leadership: display of leadership, teamwork, and consistency on and off the field
- Durability: minimum number of snaps, games played
- Strength of Opponent: Success vs. high-performing defenders
Panel members will narrow the field to five nominees before selecting one winner. Dawkins, as an active player, is ineligible to vote.
“It is time to give the true athletes a chance to show their skills,” Shields said. “Get ready for the big guys to have a great season!”
NFL Sparks Debate Over Absence of Protector of the Year Award Finalists