Joe Thuney didn’t just show up in Chicago-he anchored the Bears’ offensive line like he’d been there for years. In his first season with the team, the veteran lineman brought exactly what a young quarterback like Caleb Williams needed: stability, toughness, and elite-level protection.
Thuney started every game this season, including both of the Bears’ playoff matchups. And here’s the kicker-he didn’t allow a single sack.
Not one. Over the course of an entire season, including postseason action, that level of pass protection is elite.
He gave up just 15 total pressures, a number that speaks volumes about his technique, awareness, and ability to neutralize top-tier pass rushers week in and week out.
At 33 years old and already a four-time Super Bowl champion, Thuney brought a championship pedigree to a Bears team looking to build a winning culture. And when injuries forced a shuffle in the trenches during the Divisional Round against the Los Angeles Rams, Thuney didn’t blink.
He slid over to left tackle-a position he doesn’t typically play-and held his ground. That kind of versatility and poise under pressure is exactly why he’s so respected around the league.
Offensive linemen don’t always get the spotlight, but that’s starting to change. The NFL introduced the Protector of the Year Award this season, designed to honor the league’s best offensive lineman. Thuney was one of six nominees for the inaugural award, joining a group of standouts that includes Broncos left tackle Garett Bolles, Dolphins center Aaron Brewer, Chiefs center Creed Humphrey, Broncos right guard Quinn Meinerz, and Lions right tackle Penei Sewell.
Each of those guys had strong seasons, but Thuney’s case is as compelling as any. The Bears finished the regular season ranked third in the league in rushing, and none of the other nominees played on a line that outperformed Chicago’s ground game. That success doesn’t happen without dominant play up front-and Thuney was a major reason why the Bears were able to move the ball so effectively on the ground.
Statistically, he stacks up well across the board. Thuney and Bolles were the only nominees who didn’t allow a sack all season, but Thuney allowed fewer pressures-four less than Bolles.
Among the six nominees, only Creed Humphrey (eight) and Aaron Brewer (12) allowed fewer total pressures than Thuney’s 15. And when it comes to penalties, Thuney was flagged just twice all season, tied for the fewest among the nominees with Sewell and Humphrey.
Let’s not forget how Chicago acquired him. General manager Ryan Poles made a shrewd move last March, sending a 2026 fourth-round pick to the Kansas City Chiefs to land Thuney.
That’s already looking like a steal. Even if Thuney had only played one season at this level, the trade would’ve been worth it.
But the Bears didn’t just get a one-year rental-they’ve got Thuney under contract for two more seasons.
With a decade of high-level NFL experience under his belt and no signs of slowing down, Thuney’s presence is a huge win for Chicago. He’s not just protecting the quarterback-he’s helping shape the identity of this Bears offense. And with a young star like Caleb Williams under center, having a rock-solid veteran like Thuney up front is invaluable.
Bottom line: Joe Thuney isn’t just one of the best guards in football-he’s one of the most impactful players on this Bears roster. And his nomination for Protector of the Year is a well-earned recognition of a season that was quietly dominant from start to finish.