NFL unveils new award: Protector of the Year
Buffalo Bills Dion Dawkins blocks for quarterback Josh Allen, behind him, who sneaks in for a touchdown during first half action at the Buffalo Bills divisional game against the Baltimore Ravens at Highmark Stadium in Orchard Park on Jan. 19, 2025. The NFL on Wednesday announced a new end-of-year annual honor that will be awarded to the league's best offensive lineman, called Protector of the Year.
NFL executive Troy Vincent announced the award and credited Buffalo Bills four-time Pro Bowl lineman Dion Dawkins and retired two-time All-Pro Andrew Whitworth for pushing the idea.
"Recognize the big fellas," Vincent said Wednesday at the NFL owners meetings in Eagan, Minn.
The winner will be decided by a panel that includes a number of former greats who played on the offensive line, Vincent said.
--Field Level Media
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