ESPN facing backlash over Joe Thuney decision

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ESPN facing backlash over Joe Thuney decision

Originally posted on ChiCitySports | By Paolo Songco | Last updated Jul 13, 2026 1:29 PM ET

Ahead of the 2025 NFL season, the Chicago Bears sent a fourth-round pick to the Kansas City Chiefs in exchange for Joe Thuney. Not long after the trade, Chicago signed the three-time All-Pro guard to a two-year, $35 million contract extension. This was a clear indication that the Bears were all in on Thuney as they looked to solidify their interior offensive line.

The move immediately paid dividends for Chicago. Thuney emerged as one of the team’s best players last season, providing elite protection for quarterback Caleb Williams. Chicago’s cornerstone QB took his game to new heights in 2025, and there’s no denying that Thuney played a key role in Williams’ success.

Chicago Bears guard Joe Thuney (62) and center Drew Dalman (52) run onto the field before the game against the Detroit Lions.

Chicago Bears fans call out ESPN’s Joe Thuney ranking

Thuney made history last season by becoming the first winner of the NFL’s inaugural Protector of the Year award. He was selected to the Pro Bowl for a fourth consecutive year and named to the All-Pro first team for a third straight season.

Thuney’s accolades speak for themselves. And this is exactly why Bears fans were not at all pleased after learning about his ranking in ESPN’s latest list of the best guards and centers heading into the 2026 season.

The Bears star fell to fifth behind Tyler Smith, Quenton Nelson, Creed Humphrey and Quinn Meinerz.

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ESPN, as well as the NFL executives, coaches and scouts who were involved in the voting, are now facing backlash from Bears fans over their decision to rank Thuney as the fifth-best guard/center in the league.

“Pretty low ranking for the NFL’s first ever Protector of the Year.

” a comment on Instagram read.

“He’s the best OL period, and the best guard of all time. He won the mvp award for OL,” another said.

“Won an award for being the best….bears tax at its finest,” declared a user.

“Literally how bro

MINIMUM he should be 2 that is outrageous,” a reaction read.

“Imagine winning the award for best lineman and not being rated the best lineman lmao,” said another.

“These rankings are laughable,” a fan wrote.

Thuney isn’t exactly the type who is solely motivated by his individual accolades. The veteran is a team-first kind of guy, and he knows that the squad’s achievements outweigh his own.

Nevertheless, this should add some extra fire under Thuney as he heads into his second season in Chicago.

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

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