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Rams Legend Praised For Role in Creation Of New NFL Award

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Jay Postrado | Last updated May 23, 2025 12:22 PM ET

A lot of the time, linemen in the NFL do not get enough recognition. These players often have to go through precarious lifestyles and diets before banging their bodies in the trenches to protect the team's quarterback. Because of a certain Los Angeles Rams legend, these men are now getting the recognition that they deserve.

The NFL is now adding a Protector of the Year award for offensive linemen who have excelled in their role throughout the season. Unknown to most, it was Rams legend Andrew Whitworth who pushed for the long overdue recognition to finally see the light.

It was even Rams president Kevin Demoff who praised Whitworth on X.

Whitworth played a crucial role in turning the Rams into title contenders during his stay with the franchise. He ended up with Los Angeles in 2017 and retired with them in 2021. Prior to that, the offensive lineman also spent 11 years with the Cincinnati Bengals, where he got three Pro Bowl selections.

He knew the struggle of being an offensive lineman without getting much major praise for it. Whitworth had a total of four Pro Bowl selections, two All-Pro nods, and a Super Bowl trophy to his name. With the Rams, he also won the Walter Payton Man of the Year award and Alan Page award.

It took a very big legacy along with the plight of numerous linemen in the league to finally have an award like this. In the center of it all, a Rams legend pushed the agenda until the dream came true.

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

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