Let’s be clear: Andrew Thomas had no business being left off the Pro Bowl roster - and the fact that he was also snubbed from the NFL’s inaugural Protector of the Year award? That’s not just a miss. That’s a full-on whiff.
Thomas, the New York Giants’ anchor at left tackle, put together one of the most dominant seasons of any offensive lineman in the league in 2025. And yet, when the league handed out recognition for the best of the best, Thomas’ name was nowhere to be found. Again.
Let’s unpack this, because it’s not just about accolades - it’s about a player who continues to do everything right and still gets overlooked.
The Pro Bowl Snub That Shouldn’t Have Happened
First, the Pro Bowl. Thomas didn’t make it.
That alone raised eyebrows around the league. His peers noticed.
Raiders lineman Jermaine Eluemunor didn’t hold back, tweeting: *“No hate but the Pro Bowl a joke lol. AT Top LT in the NFL hasn’t made one yet but if you’re popular you get in.
Laughable at this point.” *
He’s not wrong.
Sure, Thomas missed four games due to injury. But when he was on the field?
He was elite. Not good.
Not solid. Elite.
He consistently neutralized top-tier edge rushers, gave his quarterback clean pockets, and played with the kind of technique and tenacity that O-line coaches dream about. If we’re being honest, he looked like the best left tackle in football for long stretches of the season.
The Pro Bowl is supposed to recognize the best talent in the league. But when a guy like Thomas - who graded out as one of the top tackles in the game - can’t crack the roster, it’s fair to question what the selection process is really valuing.
Protector of the Year? Not If You’re Andrew Thomas
Now let’s talk about the new Protector of the Year award - a long-overdue honor designed to spotlight offensive linemen, the unsung heroes of every offense. Pushed forward by Bills tackle Dion Dawkins, the award aims to give credit where it’s due: to the big men up front who make the entire offense go.
The finalists were revealed Wednesday:
- Garett Bolles (Broncos OT)
- Aaron Brewer (Dolphins C)
- Creed Humphrey (Chiefs C)
- Quinn Meinerz (Broncos OG)
- Joe Thuney (Bears OG)
- Penei Sewell (Lions OT)
Notice anyone missing?
Thomas didn’t just fall short of winning - he wasn’t even nominated. That’s baffling.
This is a player who posted a 90.3 overall grade, fourth-best among all tackles. For comparison, Bolles - a finalist - graded out at 89.3.
That’s not a knock on Bolles, who had a strong season. But if he’s in, how is Thomas out?
This isn’t about stat-padding or popularity contests. It’s about impact.
Thomas was the rock of a Giants offensive line that improved dramatically in pass protection when he was on the field. His footwork, hand placement, and ability to mirror elite pass rushers are textbook.
He’s not just doing his job - he’s setting the standard.
A Pattern of Disrespect
This isn’t the first time Thomas has been overlooked, and unfortunately, it probably won’t be the last unless something changes. He’s not flashy.
He doesn’t have a big social media presence. But he dominates on Sundays - and that should be enough.
The NFL has taken a step in the right direction by creating an award like Protector of the Year. But if it’s going to mean something, it has to reflect the truth on the field.
And the truth is, Andrew Thomas deserved to be in that conversation. At the very least, he deserved a seat at the table.
Maybe next year the voters will get it right. Maybe Thomas will finally get the recognition his play demands. Until then, all we can do is keep calling it out - because if we’re serious about honoring the best in the trenches, the conversation has to start with Andrew Thomas.