Amajor reason why the Chicago Bears had the type of success they had in 2025 was thanks to veteran guard Joe Thuney.
Thuney was not only named a Pro Bowler and First-Team All-Pro, but also a finalist for the first-ever NFL Protector of the Year award.
This award was created, in large part, thanks to Buffalo Bills left tackle Dion Dawkins, to show love to offensive linemen whose contributions are “often overlooked in the highlight-driven nature of football.”
Thuney, who’s one of six finalists for the award, recently shared what it means to him to be a finalist.
Joe Thuney Shares His Thoughts on Being a NFL Protector of the Year Award Finalist
In an interview with CHGO Bears during the NFL Pro Bowl games, Thuney gave his thoughts on being named a finalist for NFL Protector of the Year.
“Super humbling, super thankful. You gotta shoutout Dion Dawkins for kind of being the engine, the driving force and the NFL, Roger Goodell for creating this award. So it’s really cool and very humbling to shine light on our position and it’s just an honor to be mentioned along the current players that are also finalists and the panel, the judges that made this decision. Just to be in that conversation is amazing.”
Thuney absolutely deserves to be among the finalists for the award.
Not only did he not give up a single sack the entire season, but he was also the driving force behind the Bears’ success rate on run plays (48.1%), which led the league.
The fact that Thuney was able to go from playing left guard the entire season to left tackle in the divisional round vs. the Los Angeles Rams and completely shut down the Rams’ pass rush on the left side is a testament to how dominant he still is at 33 years old.
An Award Long Overdue
Thuney was also asked whether the award was overdue or if linemen are “ok staying behind the scenes, and here’s what he had to say.
“Well, it’s kind of a double-edged sword because, I think, most O-line guys do not like recognition, but I still think it’s great to honor people that don’t always get the limelight so it goes both ways, but I think it’s great to celebrate it.”
Before Protector of the Year, offensive linemen have never been recognized for their work the way other positions have.
“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.”
Not only is Thuney the oldest among the finalists, but he might be the most deserving when considering the impact, leadership, and durability he displayed last season.
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