Chicago Bears guard Joe Thuney (62) celebrates after defeating the Cleveland Browns.

Chicago Bears star reacts to major NFL announcement

Originally posted on ChiCitySports | By Paolo Songco | Last updated Feb 3, 2026 11:23 PM ET

Chicago Bears veteran guard Joe Thuney is one of the finalists for the inaugural NFL Protector of the Year award.

The 2025 NFL season marks the first time that the league is recognizing the top offensive lineman for their valuable contribution to their respective teams. The league made a major announcement on Thursday, revealing the list of finalists for the first-ever award.

Thuney, who is in his first season with the Bears, said he finds it humbling to be on the list of a historic honor.

“Super humbling, super thankful,” Thuney said. “You gotta shoutout Dion Dawkins for kind of being the engine, the driving force. And Roger Goodell and the NFL for creating this award.”

He added, “So it’s really cool and very humbling to shine light on our position. And it’s just an honor to be mentioned along the current players that are also finalists. And the panel, the judges that made this decision. Just to be in that conversation is amazing.”

Chicago Bears’ Joe Thuney joins stellar lineup for the inaugural award

Thuney is one of the two guards in the finalist list, with Denver Broncos offensive guard Quinn Meinerz being the other.

Others nominated for the award are Broncos offensive tackle Garett Bolles, Miami Dolphins center Aaron Brewer, Kansas City Chiefs center Creed Humphrey and Detroit Lions offensive tackle Penei Sewell.

Thuney ended his first season with the Bears with impressive numbers after starting in all 17 regular-season games. He played a key role for Chicago by stopping all QB hits except one, recording 11 pressures and committing only two penalties.

According to Thuney, finally having the NFL recognize the vital contribution of offensive linemen to their respective teams has its pros and cons.

“Well, it’s kind of a double-edged sword because, I think, most O-line guys do not like recognition,” Thuney said. “But I still think it’s great to honor people that don’t always get the limelight so it goes both ways, but I think it’s great to celebrate it.”

Joe Thuney on being named a finalist for the NFL Protector of the Year award: pic.twitter.com/aNvHyqGj5O

— CHGO Bears (@CHGO_Bears) February 2, 2026

Thuney, 33, was drafted 78th overall by the New England Patriots in the third round of the 2016 NFL Draft. He stayed with them for five years. He spent four seasons with the Chiefs, then moved to Chicago last year.

This article first appeared on ChiCitySports and was syndicated with permission.

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