The NFL is finally putting some long-overdue respect on the big men up front. With the introduction of the “Protector of the Year” award, the league is shining a spotlight on the offensive linemen who do the dirty work in the trenches - and two Denver Broncos are right in the thick of the conversation.
Guard Quinn Meinerz and tackle Garrett Bolles have been named among six finalists for the inaugural honor, a recognition aimed at celebrating the best offensive line performance from the 2025 season. For a Broncos team that’s been steadily rebuilding its identity in the trenches, having two linemen up for this award speaks volumes about the work being done in Denver’s offensive front.
This award didn’t just appear out of thin air. Buffalo Bills tackle Dion Dawkins has been a vocal advocate for giving offensive linemen their due, and his efforts helped push this recognition into existence. The winner will be revealed during NFL Honors at Super Bowl week in Santa Clara, giving these unsung heroes a rare moment in the spotlight.
What makes this award especially compelling is the voting panel - and it’s not just a group of media members or executives. This is a lineup of former offensive linemen who know exactly what it takes to dominate in the trenches.
We’re talking about names like Jason Kelce, Orlando Pace, Will Shields, and Andrew Whitworth - guys who’ve lived the grind and earned their stripes in the NFL. Their presence gives this award instant credibility.
Joining Meinerz and Bolles in the finalist group are Chiefs center Creed Humphrey, Lions tackle Penei Sewell, and Chiefs guard Joe Thuney - all elite talents who’ve anchored some of the most efficient offenses in football this past season. It’s a stacked list, and every name on it has a legitimate case.
While the league hasn’t released specific details on how the voting will go down - no word on how they’ll guard against bias or how much weight each criterion carries - they’ve laid out six key areas that will shape the decision:
- Quality of competition - How consistently did they face top-tier defensive fronts?
- Availability to teammates - Were they a steady presence and a leader on the field?
- Durability - Could they handle the grind of a full season?
- Weekly consistency - Did they bring it every Sunday?
- Video validation - Does the tape back up the performance?
Execution, technique, situational impact - it all matters. 6.
Football analytics - Advanced metrics in pass protection, run blocking, discipline, and overall team efficiency.
It’s a holistic approach that goes beyond just pancake blocks and sack totals. This award is about honoring the full scope of what it means to be an elite offensive lineman in today’s NFL.
As Troy Vincent Sr., the league’s EVP of football operations, put it: “The offensive line carries the weight of the game. Durability, endurance, leadership and consistency define their work, even when the spotlight rarely finds them.” That’s the heart of this award - acknowledging the warriors who set the tone up front but rarely get the headlines.
For Meinerz and Bolles, this is more than just individual recognition. It’s a signal that the Broncos’ offensive line is becoming a force to be reckoned with.
And for linemen across the league, it’s a long-awaited moment of appreciation. The spotlight may not always be theirs, but with the Protector of the Year award, the NFL is finally giving credit where it’s due - right at the line of scrimmage.