NFL can finally recognize Trent Williams' true greatness after latest update from owners meeting sparks new conversation

Originally posted on A to Z Sports | By Adam Holt | Last updated May 21, 2025 7:50 PM ET

A star for the San Francisco 49ers may grab some new honors if he continues to prove his dominance in the upcoming season along the bay.

NFL creates new annual award for top lineman

According to reports, the NFL is finally adding an award that has been missing for writhe some time. The new "Protector of the Year" award will be awarded to the league's best offensive lineman. NFL VP Troy Vincent announced the addition on Wednesday.

The NFL is implementing a new annual player award: Protector of the year, given to the league’s best offensive linemen. ‘Recognize the big fellas,’ per NFL VP Troy Vincent.
— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) May 21, 2025

The Protector of the Year award marks the first new honor introduced by the NFL since the 2016 season. At that time, the league introduced the Offensive Line of the Year award, which was discontinued in 2018. -- USA TODAY

Trent Williams has been arguably the best offensive tackle in football for multiple years now.

He has easily been in the conversation nearly every season for the past five years. The 49ers have been quite lucky to have him during this portion of his career, and his dominance has played a massive role in the success of Kyle Shanahan's offense.

Williams made three consecutive All-Pro first teams from 2021-23, showing his consistency at the highest level in the league. He played in just ten games last year due to injury but continued his strong play.

He's become a fan favorite for the 49ers fan base and could land some league-wide recognition with this new award that's well past due.

Expect Detroit's Penei Sewell, Philadelphia's Lane Johnson, and Atlanta's Chris Lindstrom to be a few of the other expected options to win the award around the NFL.

This article first appeared on A to Z Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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