Joe Thuney Makes History As First NFL Protector Of The Year – And Why It’s A Huge Deal
For the longest time, offensive linemen were the Rodney Dangerfield of the NFL. They never got any respect. That is largely because there was no stat that could adequately demonstrate how valuable they are to a franchise’s success. That is finally changing. For the first time this year, the league has instituted the new Protector Of The Year award, recognizing the league’s best blocker. In what was a tight race, Chicago Bears left guard Joe Thuney took home the award, becoming the first of what figures to become a prestigious honor in the future.
One cannot overstate the impact Thuney had on the Bears. His incredible technical prowess in pass protection instantly transformed their offensive line. Caleb Williams went from getting sacked 68 times in 2024 to 24 this season. That doesn’t happen without Thuney’s steady presence on the interior.
Thuney expressed gratitude to all the former teammates and coaches who helped him get to this point. It is another trophy for what is unquestionably a Hall of Fame case. The only thing left to wonder is how much longer he’ll do it.
The Joe Thuney trade is already a giant success for the Bears.
General manager Ryan Poles swung a deal with his old team, the Kansas City Chiefs, flipping them a 4th round pick for Thuney. Some wondered if that was a smart decision. The longtime veteran was 32 and coming off an ugly Super Bowl performance against Philadelphia. Not only did the Bears not worry about that, but they even extended him to ensure he remained with the team moving forward. They were quickly rewarded with an All-Pro campaign where Thuney didn’t allow a single sack.
That alone is worth a 4th round pick. If he can keep doing it for two, three, or four more years, it quickly becomes one of the greatest heists in recent NFL history. His value has never been appreciated enough. The man was a central part of four Super Bowl-winning teams between New England and Kansas City. Then in his first season with the Bears, he helped them to their first playoff win in 15 years. Joe Thuney is a stud. All one can do is hope he sticks around for as long as possible.
Players like him tend to get better with age.