US EditionLions’ Penei Sewell Finalist for NFL’s Protector of the Year Award
Thuney earned first-team All-Pro and Pro Bowl honors after playing nearly every snap for the Bears, highlighting his versatility and excellence on the offensive line.
- On Jan. 29, 2026, the NFL announced that Chicago Bears guard Joe Thuney is a finalist for the inaugural Protector of the Year Award, to be announced next week.
- As a player-driven concept, the award uses selection criteria including quality of competition, availability, durability, weekly consistency, video validation, and analytics, the NFL said.
- Thuney played all but five snaps this season, was named a first-team All-Pro for the third time, and made the Pro Bowl for a fourth consecutive season, and the NFL said he shifted to tackle in the playoff loss at Soldier Field.
- The winner will be revealed next week at NFL Honors on Feb. 5, 2026 at 9 p.m. on NBC/NFL Network and chosen by an elite selection committee of six former star offensive linemen.
- PFF rated Sewell as the highest-graded offensive lineman and awarded him its Protector of the Year, despite Sewell saying `This year alone, it wasn't my best ball`, said Sewell.
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Chiefs’ Humphrey, ex-Chief Thuney among 6 finalists for inaugural NFL Protector of the Year award
By Sean Hammond Chicago Tribune Chicago Bears guard and former Kansas City Chief Joe Thuney is one of six finalists for the inaugural NFL Protector… Login to continue reading Login Sign up for complimentary access Sign Up Now Close The post Chiefs’ Humphrey, ex-Chief Thuney among 6 finalists for inaugural NFL Protector of the Year award appeared first on The Examiner.
The Macomb Daily
The Oakland PressLions’ Penei Sewell finalist for NFL’s Protector of the Year Award
Despite a self-admission that 2025 was not his best season, Detroit Lions offensive tackle Penei Sewell on Thursday was announced as a finalist for the NFL’s inaugural Protector of the Year Award.
Chicago Bears guard Joe Thuney among 6 finalists for inaugural NFL Protector of the Year award
The new Protector of the Year award will be given annually at the NFL Honors ceremony to the league's best offensive lineman as decided by a panel of former All-Pros.
Chicago Sun Times
Usa newsBears guard Joe Thuney up for first-ever NFL blocking award
Bears guard Joe Thuney was one of six finalists named for the NFL's first Protector of the Year Award, given for excellent offensive line play, on Thursday. The winner will be announced next week at NFL Honors, the league's Super Bowl week awards show.The Protector of the Year was a concept pushed by Bills tackle Dion Dawkins. The winner is picked by a committee of six former star offensive linemen.The five other finalists are Broncos tackle Gar…
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