Shocking News;Chicago Bears’ Joe Thuney Clinches First‑Ever NFL Protector of the Year Award…Read More…

1. Shocking News;Chicago Bears’ Joe Thuney Clinches First‑Ever NFL Protector of the Year Award…Read More…

Chicago — In a historic night at the 2026 NFL Honors, Chicago Bears left guard Joe Thuney was crowned the first‑ever NFL Protector of the Year, an award created to honor the league’s most outstanding offensive lineman. The recognition caps off a remarkable season for Thuney, whose elite play helped transform the Bears’ offensive front and was a driving force behind one of the NFL’s most improved teams in 2025.

The Protector of the Year Award was introduced this season to shine a spotlight on the players who don’t often show up in conventional statistics but are essential to offensive success: the linemen who protect quarterbacks and pave the way for running games. Thuney stood out among six finalists — including Broncos tackle Garrett Bolles, Dolphins center Aaron Brewer, Chiefs center Creed Humphrey, Broncos guard Quinn Meinerz, and Lions tackle Penei Sewell — earning the honor at the league’s annual awards ceremony in San Francisco.

In his acceptance remarks, Thuney was characteristically humble, acknowledging the collective effort it takes to excel up front. “This isn’t a one‑man operation,” he said, thanking his teammates, family and coaches for their support throughout the season.

Thuney — a 10‑year veteran and team captain — made an immediate impact after joining the Bears in the 2025 offseason following a trade from the Kansas City Chiefs and signing a multi‑year contract. In Chicago, he anchored an offensive line that went from being one of the league’s worst in protection in 2024 to one of its best in 2025. The Bears allowed just 24 sacks all season, a dramatic improvement from the previous year, and the offensive line helped pave the way for both a potent rushing attack and a more confident passing game for quarterback Caleb Williams.

According to performance metrics, Thuney’s individual play was nothing short of elite. Pro Football Focus rated him among the top guards in the league, and Next Gen Stats highlighted that he did not allow a single sack over more than 600 pass‑blocking snaps — an extraordinary feat at any position.

Thuney’s impact extended beyond pass protection. His leadership and versatility were on full display when he stepped in at left tackle during a crucial playoff game, underscoring his ability to elevate the entire offensive unit. Bears fans and analysts alike praised his consistency and toughness, qualities that have defined his career across multiple Super Bowl runs with other teams before arriving in Chicago.

The Protector of the Year award is voted on by a panel of NFL legends, including former stars such as LeCharles Bentley, Jason Kelce, Shaun O’Hara, Orlando Pace, Will Shields and Andrew Whitworth — a group who understand better than most the difficulty and importance of line play. Their choice reflects both Thuney’s technical excellence and his broader role in the Bears’ resurgence.

As the Bears look toward the 2026 season with optimism, Thuney’s honor serves as both a personal milestone and a sign of broader progress for a team rebuilding its identity. With elite protection up front and emerging stars in skill positions, Chicago hopes to build on this momentum in the seasons ahead.