The Detroit Lions came into the 2025 NFL Honors with three strong contenders for major awards. But when the night wrapped, they left without a single trophy-despite some seriously compelling cases.
Let’s start with Aidan Hutchinson. The edge rusher had a solid bounce-back season, racking up 14.5 sacks after a brutal leg injury the year before.
That kind of production, especially post-injury, made him a legitimate candidate for Comeback Player of the Year. But the award ultimately went to 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey, who posted a staggering 2,126 scrimmage yards after being limited to just four games in 2024.
Hard to argue with that kind of output-McCaffrey reminded everyone just how dynamic he can be when healthy.
As for Defensive Player of the Year, Hutchinson was more of a long shot. Myles Garrett didn’t just have a great season-he made history, setting the NFL’s single-season sack record.
That earned him a unanimous selection, and rightfully so. Hutchinson still finished fifth in the voting, which speaks volumes about his impact in a loaded field of pass rushers.
But the most eyebrow-raising result of the night? That belonged to Penei Sewell, who somehow didn’t take home the NFL’s inaugural Protector of the Year award.
This new honor was created to spotlight the league’s best offensive lineman, and on paper, Sewell had as strong a case as anyone. According to Pro Football Focus, he allowed just two sacks and 19 pressures all season-elite numbers, especially considering he played over 940 snaps.
Among 33 qualifying tackles, his 19 pressures allowed were tied for the fewest. His pass-blocking efficiency?
A near-flawless 98.2, second only to Denver’s Garrett Bolles, another finalist for the award.
And it’s not just about the numbers. Sewell was a tone-setter in the run game, routinely bulldozing defenders and anchoring one of the league’s most physical offensive lines. He didn’t just hold his own-he dominated.
Yet, the award went to Joe Thuney, the veteran Bears guard with three First Team All-Pro selections and four Super Bowl rings to his name. Thuney’s résumé is nothing short of stellar, and there’s no denying his consistency over the years.
Still, this felt less like a recognition of the best this season and more like a nod to a decade of excellence. A legacy pick, if you will.
It’s worth noting that the Protector of the Year was voted on by a panel of former offensive linemen-guys who know the trenches better than anyone. So while the decision might raise some questions, it came from a place of deep expertise.
What we don’t know is how the voting shook out. Unlike the other categories, the league didn’t release a vote breakdown for Protector of the Year, leaving us to wonder just how close Sewell came to taking home the hardware.
Here’s how the Lions’ nominees fared in the other voting tallies:
Defensive Player of the Year Voting:
- Myles Garrett: 50 first-place votes (Unanimous winner)
- Will Anderson Jr.: 77 points
- Micah Parsons: 63 points
- Nik Bonitto: 52 points
- Aidan Hutchinson: 42 points
Comeback Player of the Year:
- Winner: Christian McCaffrey
No Lions player came away with an award, but that doesn’t diminish the seasons they had. Hutchinson reminded everyone he’s a force off the edge, and Sewell continued to cement himself as one of the best tackles in football.
The recognition may not have come in the form of a trophy-but the league took notice. And come next season, the Lions will be back, hungrier than ever.