Penei Sewell’s dominance in the trenches is getting the recognition it deserves - and this time, it could make a little history.
The Detroit Lions’ star right tackle has been named one of six finalists for the NFL’s inaugural Protector of the Year award, which honors the league’s top offensive lineman. It’s a fitting nod for a player who’s quietly - and consistently - been one of the most reliable forces up front since entering the league.
Sewell is joined on the shortlist by Denver Broncos tackle Garett Bolles and guard Quinn Meinerz, Miami Dolphins center Aaron Brewer, Kansas City Chiefs center Creed Humphrey, and Chicago Bears guard Joe Thuney. That’s a strong group, but Sewell’s résumé stacks up with the best of them.
Since being drafted seventh overall by Detroit in 2021, Sewell has done nothing but deliver. He’s been named to the Pro Bowl four times - including this past season - and earned first-team All-Pro honors in three straight years.
That kind of consistency is rare, especially at a position that often flies under the radar unless something goes wrong. But Sewell’s tape tells the story: elite footwork, unmatched balance, and a nasty streak that sets the tone for the Lions' offensive line.
Even in a 2025 campaign where Detroit fell short of expectations, finishing 9-8 and missing the playoffs, Sewell stood tall. Pro Football Focus named him their Protector of the Year earlier this month, and he’s ranked among their top three offensive linemen in each of the last three seasons. That’s not just good - that’s elite territory.
It’s also worth noting that this new award - Protector of the Year - is more than just another accolade. It’s a long-overdue acknowledgment of the guys in the trenches who make everything else possible.
Quarterbacks get the headlines, skill players get the highlights, but without protection, none of it works. Sewell has been that protector for Detroit - a foundational piece who’s started all but two games in five seasons and helped anchor one of the most improved offensive lines in football.
And he’s not the only Lion up for some hardware. Edge rusher Aidan Hutchinson is a finalist for both Defensive Player of the Year and Comeback Player of the Year.
No Lions player has ever taken home DPOY honors, and the last to win CPOY was Matthew Stafford back in 2011. That gives Detroit fans a lot to root for as awards season rolls around.
But if Sewell takes home Protector of the Year, he won’t just be the first Lion to win it - he’ll be the first anyone to win it. A deserving honor for a player who’s been setting the standard at right tackle for years.