Denny Medley-Imagn Images

Chiefs Star Awaiting NFL's First-Ever Announcement

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Paolo Songco | Last updated Jan 28, 2026 9:22 PM ET

Creed Humphrey was one of the bright spots for the Kansas City Chiefs this season. It was a forgettable campaign for the once mighty Chiefs. They missed the playoffs for the first time since 2014 after finishing the campaign with a 6-11 record. To add to their misery, Kansas City also lost Patrick Mahomes to a season-ending knee injury toward the latter part of the season.

Humphrey, however, had another excellent year for the Chiefs. He was the only player in the squad who earned an All-Pro nod this season, marking his second straight first-team selection. The 26-year-old center is also one of four Chiefs stars selected for the Pro Bowl Games, alongside tight end Travis Kelce (withdrew his participation), defensive tackle Chris Jones, and right guard Trey Smith.

Kansas City Chiefs center Creed Humphrey (52) after the game against the Arizona Cardinals.Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images

Humprey reprised his role as Mahomes’ top protector in 2025. This was at least until the three-time Super Bowl-winning QB was injured in Week 15. Humphrey has maintained his status as one of the top offensive linemen in the entire NFL.

A testament to this fact is how Humphrey was nominated for the first-ever Protector of the Year Award. ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reported the news on Wednesday.

“Chiefs center Creed Humphrey is a nominee for the NFL’s protector of the year award, per league source,” Humphrey posted on X.

According to the NFL’s website, the Protector of the Year Award “honors individual excellence and spotlights offensive linemen, whose contributions are often overlooked in the highlight-driven nature of football.”

Humprey is up against Denver Broncos offensive tackle Garett Bolles, Miami Dolphins center Aaron Brewer, Broncos offensive guard Quinn Meinerz, Chicago Bears offensive guard Joe Thuney and Detroit Lions offensive tackle Penei Sewell.

The first-ever winner of the new award will be announced at the NFL Honors on Feb. 5. The ceremony will take place at the Palace of Fine Arts in San Francisco, California, ahead of the Super Bowl on Feb. 8.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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