Because the NFL season kicks off in a bit over three months, Yahoo Sports activities introduced that the NFL will add one other yearly award referred to as the “Protector of the 12 months.” The award will go to the league’s finest offensive lineman when it goes into impact subsequent season.
A crew’s offensive line is arguably a very powerful facet so as to have success within the Nationwide Soccer League. If an offense does not have a reliable offensive line, it will likely be exhausting for it to run or move the soccer successfully all through a recreation.
Actually, Bears quarterback Caleb Williams was sacked a league-leading 68 occasions in 2024, and he struggled immensely all through his rookie marketing campaign. Moreover, Williams, together with C.J. Stroud and Joe Burrow, had been among the many most pressured quarterbacks in 2024. The Bears, Bengals and Texans all have had evident points with their respective offensive strains.
Furthermore, star offensive linemen across the league, such because the Bears’ Joe Thuney (previously on the Chiefs), Buccaneers’ Tristan Wirfs, Eagles’ Jordan Mailata and Colts’ Quenton Nelson, earned All-Professional honors final season. It’s truthful to say these males might be within the forefront for the award, together with future Corridor of Fame offensive lineman Lane Johnson.
Sure, this award will not be seen as glamorously as Rookie of the 12 months, Most Priceless Participant, Comeback Participant of the 12 months and even Coach of the 12 months, however this honor must be regarded simply as prestigiously as the opposite ones.
