Penei Sewell Leads the Charge as NFL Launches First-Ever “Protector of the Year” Award

The Unsung Heroes Step into the Spotlight: NFL Introduces the “Protector of the Year” Award

It’s about time the big guys in the trenches got their due.

In a league where quarterbacks, receivers, and running backs hog most of the headlines, the real gladiators — the offensive linemen — are finally being recognized in a way that truly matters. For the first time ever, the NFL is rolling out a brand-new honor: the Protector of the Year award. And if you're a fan of pancake blocks and unshakeable walls, this is your Super Bowl.

Let’s be real — without the fellas up front, there’s no 60-yard bomb, no explosive screen pass, and certainly no game-winning drive. These guys aren’t just opening holes and giving QBs time in the pocket; they’re the heartbeat of every offensive play. And now, they’re getting their well-earned spotlight.

Dawkins, Whitworth, and the Birth of an Award

The Protector of the Year award didn’t just fall from the sky. It was born from the vision and passion of two heavyweights in the trenches — Buffalo Bills left tackle Dion Dawkins and former Rams and Bengals veteran Andrew Whitworth. These two linemen, who’ve seen it all from the grind of training camp to the euphoria of postseason success, came together to pitch this idea to the NFL.

And let’s just say, the league listened.

Whitworth, a Super Bowl champ and respected voice around the league, has long championed the value of O-linemen. Pair that with Dawkins’ current-day perspective as a lineman still facing those front-line battles, and you get the perfect duo to lead the charge. Their goal? Give linemen more than a pat on the back or a mention in the film room. Give them a real trophy — and a whole lot of respect.

Spotlight on Penei Sewell: The Heavy Favorite

Now that the award is official, the next big question is: Who’s gonna win it first?

Enter: Penei Sewell.

At just 23 years old, Sewell has already made waves that reach well beyond Detroit. Coming out of Oregon, he was billed as a once-in-a-generation type of player. You know — the kind of talent that doesn’t just plug a hole, but completely changes how an offense runs. And boy, has he delivered.

Sewell didn’t just transition to right tackle — he dominated it. He’s become the engine of Detroit’s offensive line and a major reason why the Lions suddenly look like contenders. Whether it’s neutralizing elite edge rushers or paving the way for explosive runs, Sewell’s impact is visible on every snap. He’s not just protecting — he’s dictating.

NFL.com’s Top 10 – And Guess Who’s No. 1?

NFL.com’s Nick Shook recently dropped his list of top candidates for the inaugural Protector of the Year award. At the top? You guessed it — Penei Sewell.

This isn’t hype. It’s legit. Shook didn’t mince words when ranking Sewell as the most dominant lineman heading into the 2025 season. That’s high praise, considering the league is stacked with talent like Trent Williams, Lane Johnson, and Quenton Nelson. But what separates Sewell is not just talent — it’s consistency, versatility, and that edge-of-your-seat explosiveness in his blocks.

You can see it every Sunday. Sewell is that rare kind of lineman who plays with a mix of power, speed, and IQ — he’s got that football sixth sense. When you combine that with Detroit’s high-octane offense, it’s a recipe for headlines and highlight reels.

More Than Just Blocks: The Cultural Shift

The Protector of the Year award represents something bigger than just another accolade. It’s a cultural shift.

For decades, offensive linemen were the unsung heroes. They grunted through games, walked away without stat lines, and rarely got airtime unless something went wrong. Now, that narrative is changing. Finally, the league — and the fans — are recognizing how vital these guys are to a team’s success.

This award sets a new tone. It tells every aspiring lineman that they’re not just pieces on a chessboard — they’re kings and queens in their own right. And if you’ve got a kid out there playing Pop Warner and lining up in the trenches, this might just inspire the next generation of beasts in the box.

Detroit’s Wild Card: John Morton

Of course, the NFL is a game of change — and with Detroit bringing in new offensive coordinator John Morton, there’s a bit of unpredictability in the mix.

If the Lions’ offense clicks like it did last year (or better), Sewell will have every opportunity to dominate and shine. But if things take a step back under Morton’s new system? That could complicate things for Sewell’s bid. Still, if there’s anyone who can overcome a schematic shift, it’s a guy like Penei — someone who’s already proven adaptable and elite.

What Makes Sewell Special?

Let’s break it down with a few bullet points, just so we’re clear:

• Elite Footwork: Sewell moves like a tight end with the strength of a bulldozer.

• Tough as Nails: He’s played through injuries, hostile environments, and intense playoff pressure.

• Football IQ: He anticipates stunts, blitzes, and reads defenses like a seasoned vet.

• Locker Room Presence: Players and coaches alike rave about his work ethic and leadership.

• Youth with Experience: At 23, he already plays like a 10-year vet.

Those qualities make him more than a top candidate — they make him a franchise cornerstone.

Final Whistle: The Trenches Finally Get Their Trophy

So, as the 2025 NFL season kicks off, there’s a fresh narrative bubbling under the surface. It’s not about who threw the most touchdowns or who racked up the flashiest stats. It’s about who protected, who anchored, and who kept the chaos in check so the magic could happen.

The Protector of the Year award is more than overdue. It’s a long-awaited shoutout to the warriors in the shadows. And right now? All signs point to Penei Sewell being the first name engraved in that history.

Get ready to hear more about the linemen this year. Because finally — they’re not just part of the play. They are the play.