As left tackle for the Buffalo Bills, Dion Dawkins has gone to battle for his quarterback plenty of times. This award will recognize the important contributions of offensive linemen to the NFL’s success. The league introduced the Protector of the Year Award, which acknowledges the vital role these players play on the field. Dawkins’ persistent efforts over the past three years have culminated in this significant recognition, marking a historic moment for offensive linemen nationwide.
Yet Dawkins opened the door to debates about whether we would even need such an award. He often cited it when in discussions with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell. He mentioned that there was no current award honoring the most deserving of players, the offensive linemen, a slight he’d wanted to correct. His unsolicited comments on recognizing O-line men have been felt all over the league. What’s more, they ignited deeper discussions between current players and league leadership.
After Super Bowl LIX, Dawkins and former player Andrew Whitworth continued the conversation. They were adamant about the need to honor offensive linemen. Their advocacy caught fire, resulting in a much-needed official endorsement from the NFL.
“I’ma give credit to Dion Dawkins from Buffalo. He was truly instrumental, him and Andrew Whitworth, of just making sure that we recognize, as we would say, the big fellas,” said Troy Vincent, NFL Executive Vice President of Football Operations.
Topeka, prevention, former standout offensive linemen who will select the Protector of the Year Award. Their experience makes certain that the recognition is awarded by people who genuinely appreciate the details and difficulty of performing the role. Specifically, Dawkins is ineligible to win this award since he is still an active player in the league.
The reaction from players and fans alike has been through the roof. Rarely have I had this many offensive linemen come up to me to thank Dawkins for turning his vision into reality. His advocacy has not only elevated the status of offensive linemen but inspired younger generations to aspire toward this critical role in football.
“It feels like I have an actual voice,” Dawkins remarked regarding his advocacy efforts. He added, “That my voice is actually heard, ’cause we’re in little ol’ Buffalo, but my words are going further than just Orchard Park.”
Dawkins was personally involved in a series of conversations with Goodell. It’s something he always pushed for, for interior offensive linemen to be recognized. He recalls one key turning point at a Super Bowl party. There, he faced down Goodell at a press conference and did not take no for an answer.
“The domino finally fell over when we were at the Roger Goodell party for the Super Bowl, and then I said, ‘Rog, you got Orlando Pace here, you got me here, you got these guys here,’” Dawkins recounted.
Their conversations eventually led to a shared understanding of the importance of this recognition.
“We agreed this is what needs to happen,” said Dawkins.
In addition to championing current players, Dawkins focused on the way in which this award would serve as an inspiration for future athletes. He imagines a day when young players think of offensive linemen the way they think of respected, athletic specimens worthy of admiration.
“Everybody on the football field should have a chance to win something … now the course of football has changed. Kids are going to be able to grow up bigger playing O-line, and they’re going to say, one day I want to win the Protector of the Year award,” he stated.
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