Joe Thuney Secures First NFL Protector of the Year Award for Bears
Joe Thuney, the standout guard of the Chicago Bears, has achieved recognition for his exceptional blocking skills. On Thursday night at the NFL Honors, he earned the inaugural NFL Protector of the Year Award. This accolade spotlights individual skills that are often reflected through team performance.
A Notable Achievement
Thuney’s competition included several talented nominees. Among them were:
- Garett Bolles (Denver Broncos)
- Quinn Meinerz (Denver Broncos)
- Penei Sewell (Detroit Lions)
- Creed Humphrey (Kansas City Chiefs)
- Aaron Brewer (Miami Dolphins)
Remarkably, Kansas City, Miami, and Detroit did not qualify for the playoffs, making Thuney’s win even more significant.
Voting and Criteria
The selection process was a rigorous one. A panel of former NFL linemen, including LeCharles Bentley, Shaun O’Hara, and Andrew Whitworth, evaluated the nominees. Thuney stood out by demonstrating his skills on the field.
Impact on the Bears’ Performance
In the 2025 season, Thuney played a crucial role in the Bears’ offensive line, contributing to a significant improvement in team statistics. The team allowed only 24 sacks, a notable reduction from the franchise-record 68 sacks the previous year. Furthermore, under Thuney’s protection, quarterback Caleb Williams set a Bears record for passing yards. The Bears also saw a dramatic rise in their rushing game, moving from 27th to 3rd in the league.
Ryan Poles and the Bears’ Strategy
This award reflects not only Thuney’s individual talents but also the strategic decisions of Bears General Manager Ryan Poles. The Bears acquired Thuney in a trade with the Kansas City Chiefs, receiving only a fourth-round draft pick in return. Thuney, now entering his 11th season in 2026, has proven to be a valuable asset. He led all guards in ESPN’s pass-block win rate and ranked fourth in run-block win rate among interior offensive linemen.
Adaptability on the Field
Thuney’s versatility was particularly evident during the postseason after the injury of left tackle Ozzy Trapilo. Coach Ben Johnson moved Thuney to left tackle to match up against formidable defensive players. This decision underscored Thuney’s excellent anchoring ability and willingness to adjust for the team’s success.
Looking Ahead
The Bears face a potential dilemma for the upcoming season as Trapilo’s injury may keep him sidelined for an extended period. It remains uncertain whether Thuney will shift to left tackle. Such a move could weaken the interior line, where he has excelled beside Pro Bowl center Drew Dalman. The Bears have time during the offseason to find a suitable replacement for Trapilo.
Additional Notes
In roster updates, Theo Benedet, a player previously untested at left tackle, has signed a one-year contract worth $1 million for the 2026 season. He will now have an entire offseason to prepare for potential playing time at left tackle.
As the Bears navigate their roster and prepare for the new season, Thuney’s award is a testament to his talent and the team’s commitment to excellence.
