The NFL rolled out a new honor this year - the inaugural Protector of the Year award - and it went to a player who’s been a model of consistency and toughness in the trenches: Chicago Bears guard Joe Thuney. The award was handed out Thursday night at NFL Honors in San Francisco, spotlighting the unsung heroes of the game - the offensive linemen who keep the chaos at bay so their quarterbacks and running backs can shine.
Thuney’s win came in a strong field, with Denver Broncos standouts Garett Bolles and Quinn Meinerz also named finalists. And make no mistake - both had seasons worthy of serious recognition.
Let’s start with Bolles. The veteran left tackle didn’t just protect the blind side - he locked it down.
According to Pro Football Focus, Bolles earned a league-best 90.8 pass blocking grade among tackles and, incredibly, didn’t allow a single sack all season. That kind of performance doesn’t just happen.
It’s the result of elite footwork, hand placement, and a deep understanding of defensive schemes. Bolles was named Pass Blocker of the Year by PFF last month and earned both AP All-Pro and Pro Bowl honors, capping off what was arguably the best season of his career.
Right beside him, Quinn Meinerz was just as dominant. The Broncos’ right guard posted a 90.9 overall grade from PFF - the highest among all guards - and led the league with a 92.1 run blocking grade.
That’s a lineman doing it all: keeping the pocket clean and clearing lanes in the run game. Meinerz has steadily developed into one of the most complete guards in football, and 2025 was his breakout moment on the national stage.
Together, Bolles and Meinerz were the foundation of a Broncos offensive line that turned heads all year. With those two leading the charge, rookie quarterback Bo Nix was sacked just 22 times - the fewest among all quarterbacks who started all 17 games. That’s not just a stat; that’s a testament to an O-line doing its job at a high level, week in and week out.
And it wasn’t just about pass protection. Denver’s offense also eclipsed 2,000 rushing yards for the first time since 2021 - a milestone that speaks volumes about the line’s ability to move bodies and create space. Whether it was zone runs, gap schemes, or power plays, the Broncos’ front five consistently won at the point of attack.
While Thuney took home the hardware, Bolles and Meinerz made a compelling case in their own right. Their impact on Denver’s offensive resurgence in 2025 was undeniable. The NFL’s new Protector of the Year award is a welcome addition - and if this year is any indication, it’s going to shine a much-needed spotlight on the players who do the dirty work in the trenches.