Joe Thuney's latest accolade just confirms what Bears fans have known all along

Chicago’s veteran guard continues to define consistency at the highest level
New York Giants v Chicago Bears
New York Giants v Chicago Bears | Wesley Hitt/GettyImages

Chicago Bears guard Joe Thuney has been named to the 2025 ESPN All-Pro team.

For many fans across the NFL, this is no surprise, as the veteran lineman has spent his career being decorated with accolades year after year. This marks Thuney's third time he's made the list.

Thuney's been in the league since the Patriots drafted him back in 2016, where he immediately made a difference. After winning the Super Bowl with Tom Brady in his rookie season, he moved to Kansas City for the 2021 season, where he helped the Chiefs reach three Super Bowls, winning two of them, and narrowly missed the three-peat.

A Long Line of Excellence

Bears general manager Ryan Poles made it clear last offseason that one of his priorities was to bolster the offensive line and protect Caleb Williams. After arriving via trade, Thuney agreed with the Bears on a two-year contract that will expire after the 2027 season. His effect is immediately evident, both in how the offensive line handles pressure and in its key role in the run game.

This is Thuney's third ESPN All-Pro award, and it's one that's thoroughly earned. He's played 100% of snaps this season, and has never dropped below 97% in a single year. Eliminating interior pressure has been absolutely paramount to the Bears' success this year, and this award is merely recognition that even after nine seasons in the league, Thuney can still perform at the most elite level.

Chicago has been in desperate need of offensive line help for many seasons. Thuney was traded to the Bears for a 2026 fourth-round pick, and from this side of the trade, it was highway robbery. With rookies on the line in 2025, Thuney is also serving as a veteran leader. His mere presence reduces mental errors and helps to define the line for what it is.

Joe Thuney's latest All-Pro selection is not a capstone; it's a reinforcement. The Bears did not acquire him to chase past success, but to stabilize the present and protect the future. In a room that includes young linemen still finding their footing, Thuney represents the standard every snap is measured against.

Read more: Ryan Poles silenced his haters with vindication of perfect Bears rookie class

Chicago paid for certainty, durability, and elite consistency. This award confirms that even this deep into his career, Thuney remains exactly what he's always been. Elite. With the Bears set to take the two seed in the NFC, Thuney's top abilities will be needed if Chicago wants to maintain their momentum heading into the playoffs.

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