Bears guard Joe Thuney was one of six finalists named for the NFL’s first Protector of the Year Award, given for excellent offensive line play, on Thursday. The winner will be announced next week at NFL: Honors, the league’s Super Bowl week awards show.
The Protector of the Year was a concept pushed by Bills tackle Dion Dawkins. The winner is picked by a committee of six former star offensive linemen.
The five other finalists are Broncos tackle Garrett Bolles, Lions tackle Penei Sewell,, Dolphins center Aaron Brewer, Chiefs center Creed Humphrey and Broncos guard Quinn Meinerz.