The Chicago Bears had a special season in 2025 and were recently recognized during the NFL Honors.
The Bears took home two major awards, one being NFL’s Next Gen Stats Moment of the Year with quarterback Caleb Williams’ overtime game-winning touchdown pass to wide receiver DJ Moore to beat the Green Bay Packers 23-16 during the regular season.
The other was offensive guard Joe Thuney, taking home the inaugural award for Protector of the Year. That said, Williams didn’t hold back on Thuney taking home the Protector of the Year award.
Caleb Williams Sends 8-Word Response on Joe Thuney Winning Protector of the Year
In response to Thuney winning Protector of the Year, Williams didn’t mince his words on his Instagram story.
“Yall thought it was gonna be someone else?!?”
Did Williams create an enemy with the other finalists, which included Denver Broncos tackle Garett Bolles, guard Quinn Meinerz, Miami Dolphins center Aaron Brewer, Kansas City Chiefs center Creed Humphrey, and Detroit Lions tackle Penei Sewell?
Probably, but it was most likely more of an act of appreciation and love for his teammate.
Thuney was deserving of this award, finishing the season with zero sacks allowed and an 88.6 pass-blocking grade (1st among interior OL) in 686 pass-blocking snaps.
Here’s what Thuney had to say on receiving this award.
“Thank you very much. Thank you to the NFL, the panel, and Dion Dawkins for the creation of this award. I’m not a one-man operation. I have a great support system. My family, my parents, my siblings, my cousins, my friends from back home. All the former teammates that I’ve had. The o-linemen. The brothers that I have, that I’ve made. I appreciate you. You’re a big reason why I play.
Thank you to the Bears organization. All the coaches I’ve had. Former o-line coaches…Really appreciate all the former o-line who have played in this league. The unsung heroes of the past, who’ve laid the foundation for us to play today. The game that we know and love. Thank you very much.”
Ryan Poles’ Best Move Was Trading for Thuney
By far the best decision Bears general manager Ryan Poles has made thus far was trading a fourth-round pick to bring in Thuney last offseason. If someone were to tell you that the Bears would have an offensive lineman win the inaugural award for Protector of the Year in 2024, they’d call you crazy.
He’s been more than just an elite blocker on offense, but also a veteran presence who’s helped elevate the team with his wealth of experience and Super Bowl championship wins.
“Best in the world!” Williams said regarding Thuney.
He’ll be in the Hall of Fame and remembered as one of the best offensive linemen in the history of the NFL. The Bears still can’t believe the Chiefs gave him away for just a 4th round pick.
Bears QB Caleb Williams Sends 8-Word Response Amid Recent News