The NFL is finally giving offensive linemen the recognition they deserve with a new honor: The Protector of the Year Award. Starting this season, the league will hand out the award to the top offensive lineman in football — an individual accolade for the big men in the trenches who usually go unnoticed despite their vital role.
This move is a long time coming. Offensive linemen rarely make headlines unless there’s a blown assignment or a penalty. But now, they’ll be able to compete for a league-endorsed award that highlights their skill, leadership, and consistency. It’s another step toward raising the profile of one of the game’s most important and underappreciated positions.
NFL Launches Protector of the Year Award — Jason Kelce Leads the Charge
Jason Kelce, one of the most respected centers in recent NFL history, has long been a voice for offensive linemen. On a recent episode of “New Heights,” Kelce confirmed that he’ll be part of the committee selecting the winner of the inaugural Protector of the Year Award. Travis had some fun with the news, teasing Jason about his growing influence inside the league.
“Dude, you’re like two steps away from being commissioner,” Travis joked. “Are you kidding me? You’re trajecting in that direction. Next is you’ll be in charge of the fines.”
The voting panel for the award features a powerhouse group of former offensive linemen: Jason Kelce, LeCharles Bentley, Shaun O’Hara, Orlando Pace, Will Shields, and Andrew Whitworth. All six bring years of experience and deep knowledge of what makes a lineman elite. According to the league’s official website, the winner will be selected based on a mix of skill metrics, durability, impact, leadership, and level of competition faced.
Make no mistake — there’s a strong group of potential candidates. Players like Penei Sewell, Quenton Nelson, and Joe Thuney are just a few of the dominant linemen who could be in the running. With the spotlight now turning toward the offensive line, names like these may start getting more national attention.
This award isn’t just a win for the players — it’s a win for fans and the game itself. More fans may begin to appreciate the battle that unfolds in the trenches with every play. As linemen-turned-analysts like Mark Schlereth and Jason Kelce bring their insight to TV and podcasts, fans are learning how vital this position group is. Highlighting these players might even inspire more young athletes to pursue offensive line roles, knowing they can now be celebrated for their work.
The NFL’s move to introduce the Protector of the Year Award is more than just symbolic — it’s a real step toward recognizing the heart and backbone of every offense. And as the first season of the award gets underway, it’ll be exciting to see which lineman rises above the rest.