Chiefs center Creed Humphrey among 6 finalists for prestigious new NFL award
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- NFL unveiled six finalists for inaugural Protector of the Year offensive lineman award.
- Kansas City’s Creed Humphrey allowed eight total pressures, fewest among finalists.
- Winner chosen by six‑member former‑linemen panel; announcement set for Feb 5.
The NFL on Thursday announced six finalists for the inaugural “Protector of the Year” award, which will recognize the league’s most outstanding offensive lineman.
Kansas City Chiefs center Creed Humphrey joins Denver Broncos left tackle Garett Bolles; Miami Dolphins center Aaron Brewer; Denver Broncos right guard Quinn Meinerz; Detroit Lions right tackle Penei Sewell; and Chicago Bears left guard Joe Thuney (a former Chief) among the six finalists.
According to Pro Football Focus, Humphrey allowed just eight total pressures in his pass-blocking snaps, the fewest of the finalists. Sewell posted the top run-blocking grade (96.8). Humphrey’s run-blocking grade (88.5) ranked fourth among the six.
The winner will be chosen by a six-member panel of outstanding former linemen, a group the league says “understand the technical demands, preparation and physical toll of the position.”
The voting panel includes Pro Football Hall of Famers Will Shields (a career Chief) and Orlando Pace, plus LeCharles Bentley, Jason Kelce, Shaun O’Hara and Andrew Whitworth.
According to the league’s news release, the panel will weigh quality of competition, availability to teammates, durability, weekly consistency, video validation and football analytics.
“The offensive line carries the weight of the game,” NFL executive vice president Troy Vincent Sr. said. “Durability, endurance, leadership and consistency define their work, even when the spotlight rarely finds them. Protector of the Year is about recognizing the vital role these tremendous athletes play and celebrating excellence where it starts, up front.”
The winner will be announced at the NFL Honors ceremony on Thursday, Feb. 5.
