🔥 Why no finalists?
– Protector of the Year is league-backed and debuting at NFL Honors this year, separate from the AP voting system. Since it’s independent, no official finalist list was released alongside the traditional awards.
🏽 The spotlight shift
– This moment underscores a long-overdue push to recognize offensive linemen, the true backbone of every scoring drive and win.
💬 Voices from the trenches
– Buffalo Bills left tackle Dion Dawkins has been a driving force behind this, stressing that the “big guys up front” deserve credit for leadership, grit, and consistency.
🧠 How the winner will be chosen
– A panel of former elite offensive linemen will decide: LeCharles Bentley, Jason Kelce, Shaun O’Hara, Orlando Pace, Will Shields, and Andrew Whitworth.
– Criteria include: skill metrics (pass/run block win rates, penalties, sacks, helmet contact), impact on the offense, leadership, durability, and performance against top defenders.
– The panel will whittle the field to five nominees, then pick a winner. Dawkins is ineligible to vote.
🏆 What to expect
– This award aims to finally honor the unsung heroes up front. Get ready for the big guys to get their well-deserved moment in the spotlight! 📊🔥🏈
