Kansas City Chiefs center Creed Humphrey is getting the kind of recognition that’s long overdue for the guys doing the dirty work in the trenches.
This week, Humphrey was named one of six finalists for the NFL’s newly launched Protector of the Year award - a nod to the league’s top offensive lineman and a long-awaited spotlight on the unsung heroes up front. It's a fitting honor for a player who's been nothing short of a rock in the middle of Kansas City's offensive line.
Let’s be clear: this isn’t just about name recognition or reputation. Humphrey earned this with a season built on consistency, toughness, and elite-level execution.
He started all 17 games in 2025, barely missed a snap, and provided a steady anchor for an offensive line that had to shuffle pieces around him due to injuries and lineup changes. Through all that, the one constant was Humphrey locking down the interior.
The advanced numbers back it up. Pro Football Focus graded him as the top center in the league, and it’s not hard to see why.
He allowed just one sack all season, a testament to both his pass protection prowess and his ability to read and react to blitzes and stunts. His command at the line - making protection calls, adjusting blocking schemes pre-snap - was a major reason Patrick Mahomes had the time and confidence to do what he does best.
This nomination is just the latest addition to an already impressive resume. Humphrey was named to the AP First-Team All-Pro earlier this month and also earned All-AFC honors, standing alongside Travis Kelce as the only Chiefs players to receive both distinctions this season. From earning PFWA All-Rookie honors to now being a perennial All-Pro, Humphrey’s rise has been steady and undeniable.
The Protector of the Year award will be decided by a panel of former offensive line greats, including Hall of Famer Will Shields and longtime Eagles center Jason Kelce - guys who know exactly what it takes to dominate in the trenches. The winner will be announced at the NFL Honors ceremony on February 5 in San Francisco.
For the Chiefs, Humphrey’s nomination is another feather in the cap of an organization that’s made offensive line development a clear priority. For Humphrey himself, it’s a chance to be the first-ever winner of an award that feels tailor-made for his brand of excellence - quiet, relentless, and absolutely essential to winning football.