NFL Honors: Bears' Joe Thuney wins inaugural Protector of the Year award

Chicago Bears guard Joe Thuney was named the inaugural Protector of the Year at the 2026 NFL Honors. The article reports he played 17 games in 2025 without allowing a sack and helped reduce Caleb Williams' sacks from 68 to 24.

The NFL honored Chicago Bears guard Joe Thuney at the 2026 NFL Honors by naming him the first Protector of the Year. The award recognizes the top offensive lineman of the season. Thuney arrived in Chicago via a trade from the Kansas City Chiefs and signed a two‑year, $35 million extension. His play was noted as a key factor in the Bears' offensive line improvement under coach Ben Johnson. Key facts: - Joe Thuney was named the inaugural Protector of the Year at the 2026 NFL Honors. - In 17 games during the 2025 season, TruMedia reported Thuney allowed zero sacks, one quarterback hit, and 14 pressures. - The Bears' quarterback Caleb Williams was sacked 68 times in his rookie season and 24 times in 2025. - Thuney joined Chicago after a trade from Kansas City and signed a two‑year, $35 million extension. - Thuney was a third‑round pick by the New England Patriots in 2016 and has been part of Super Bowl-winning teams with New England and Kansas City. Summary: Thuney's award highlights his role in stabilizing the Bears' offensive line and finishing the 2025 season without allowing a sack. The article notes this followed his acquisition from Kansas City and a subsequent contract extension. Undetermined at this time.