Joe Thuney Wins the NFL’s Inaugural Protector of the Year Award

Former NC State Offensive Lineman Joe Thuney made history tonight, winning the Inaugural Protector of the Year Award, which will be awarded annually to the best offensive lineman in the NFL.

Thuney beat out finalists: Broncos OT Garett Bolles, Dolphins C Aaron Brewer, Chiefs C Creed Humphrey, Broncos OG Quinn Meinerz and Lions OT Penei Sewell.

Watch Thuney’s Acceptance Speech

BREAKING: #Bears G Joe Thuney is named the winner of the 2025 inaugural AP Protector of the Year pic.twitter.com/drZo5dcE02

— New England Sports Fellow (@_JosephManning) February 6, 2026

Thuney’s 2025 Resume

Thuney’s PFF Pass Blocking Grade of 87.7 was the best grade by any interior offensive lineman in the NFL. He didn’t give up a single sack in 686 pass-blocking snaps.

This past offseason, the Chicago Bears traded a 4th round pick to land the All-Pro Offensive Lineman, which in hindsight, was one of the most impactful trades of the offseason. Before the season began, Thuney signed a 2-year $35 million contract extension.

Fast Track to the Hall of Fame

What Thuney has accomplished in his first 10 NFL seasons has him on a fast track to the NFL:

6 Super Bowl Appearances
4 Super Bowl Rings
4 Pro Bowls
3 time 1st Team All-Pro
2 time 2nd Team All-Pro

Thuney is tied for the 2nd most Super Bowl appearances in NFL history, winning 2 with the Patriots, and 2 with the Chiefs.

After earning All-American honors his Senior year at NC State, New England drafted him in the 3rd round of the 2016 NFL Draft with the 78th overall pick.

From 2-Stars to Best in the NFL

Coming out of Archbishop Alter High School in Dayton, Ohio, 247Sports rated Thuney as a 2-star prospect. He was ranked as the #122 Offensive Tackle in the 2011 recruiting class, and the #75 overall player in the state of Ohio.

He dreamt of picking up scholarship offers from local power house programs like Notre Dame and Ohio State, but they never came knocking. NC State did.

Thuney’s story is what dreams are made of!