Dion Dawkins is the talk of the NFL right now! To further emphasize that point, last week he announced a new award specifically for offensive linemen—the “Protector Of The Year.” He announced this great news on May 21, 2025, via a post on X, formerly known as Twitter. In his capital announcement, Dawkins couldn’t hide his enthusiasm, proclaiming, “History was made today,” with hashtags #YouAlreadyShnow, #ProtectorOfTheYear, and #history.
Dawkins shared his heartfelt appreciation to everyone who partnered to bring this award to fruition. In particular, he emphasized the unique collaboration that made possible its development. The award is a wonderful recognition for the unsung heroes of the league, the offensive lineman. It does them justice as it esteems their IMPORTANT contributions to the game.
Key figures in the league, such as recently-retired offensive lineman Andrew Whitworth, welcomed the news with open arms. Dawkins and Whitworth really bring home the importance of appreciating linemen’s efforts. They prove their commitment over and over again, week after week. On behalf of millions of grateful fans, they hope that this award can be the beginning of a wonderful new NFL tradition.
In his tweet, Dawkins included a link to a photo that reveals the design of the award. This new, great-looking visual has the football world buzzing with excitement. He promised fans and other players that the “Protector Of The Year” award is not going anywhere. Creating a new award in perpetuity would truly celebrate the daily grind of offensive linemen.
This new effort is one of the biggest steps toward equity in NFL history. It’s the only one of its kind, specifically created to recognize the amazing performances of offensive linemen. This award serves to illuminate the crucial roles these non-tradition players have on the field. It lays the foundation for additional future honors in the sport.
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