Joe Thuney, the left guard for the Chicago Bears, has received the NFL’s inaugural Protector of the Year Award. This recognition was presented during the NFL Honors ceremony, highlighting Thuney’s exceptional performance throughout the season.
Thuney’s Journey to the Bears
The Bears acquired Joe Thuney from the Kansas City Chiefs last offseason. The trade involved a fourth-round draft pick and was part of a strategic overhaul of the team’s interior offensive line. Thuney joined forces with center Drew Dalman and right guard Jonah Jackson, creating a formidable front.
Impact on the Bears’ Season
Thuney’s contributions were pivotal in the Bears achieving an impressive 11-6 record. The team’s success included winning the NFC North and advancing past the Green Bay Packers in the wild-card playoffs. His leadership on the offensive line significantly enhanced the Bears’ overall performance.
Outstanding Statistics
In the 2025 season, Joe Thuney was not only recognized with the Protector of the Year Award but also earned First-Team All-Pro honors. He was selected for the Pro Bowl due to his remarkable play throughout the year. Key statistics from Thuney’s season include:
- Games Played: 17
- Sacks Allowed: 0
- Quarterback Hits Allowed: 1
- Pressures Allowed: 15
- Penalties: 2
- Offensive Snaps Played: 1,149
According to Pro Football Focus, Thuney played the second-most offensive snaps of any guard in the league. His consistency and durability were crucial for the Bears’ offensive success.
Conclusion
Joe Thuney’s award as the NFL’s first Protector of the Year underscores his importance to the Chicago Bears. His performance has set a high standard for offensive linemen in the league and has been a key factor in the Bears’ successful season.
