Joe Thuney has provided the Chicago Bears with so much in just one season.
The veteran offensive lineman played in every game this season, including two playoff games. He didn’t allow a sack all season and gave up just 15 total quarterback pressures.
The 33-year-old four-time Super Bowl champion provided consistency and dependability for quarterback Caleb Williams and the rest of the offensive line. When the Bears needed him to step up and play left tackle in the Divisional Round of the playoffs against the Los Angeles Rams, Thuney did so and held his own, which shouldn't be a surprise.
Oftentimes, offensive linemen are not recognized for their individual success. Well, that will begin to change with the Protector of the Year Award, which will honor the best offensive lineman each season.
The 2025 season was the first year for the award, and Thuney was one of the six offensive linemen nominated. He joins Broncos left tackle Garett Bolles, Dolphins center Aaron Brewer, Chiefs center Creed Humphrey, Broncos right guard Quinn Meinerz, and Lions right tackle Penei Sewell.
Joe Thuney nominated as one of the top offensive lineman in 2025
Those are some of the top offensive linemen in the NFL at their respective positions, but Thuney did help lead the Chicago Bears’ offense to finish No. 3 in the NFL in rushing in the regular season. None of the players nominated are a part of offensive lines that were ranked higher than Thuney’s Bears.
The players nominated play different positions, so it’s tough to compare statistics. Thuney and Bolles were the only two among the group who didn’t allow a sack, but the Bears’ left guard had four fewer quarterback pressures allowed than the Broncos’ left tackle.
Thuney’s 15 total quarterback pressures allowed were the third-fewest among the nominated players. Only Humphrey (eight) and Brewer (12) had fewer. The Bears’ left guard was only penalized two times last season, which was tied for the fewest among the nominated players with Sewell and Humphrey.
General manager Ryan Poles traded a 2026 fourth-round draft pick to the Kansas City Chiefs last March to acquire Thuney. Thuney’s one season in Chicago was already worth trading away the Day 3 draft capital, but the veteran offensive lineman still has two years remaining on his contract.
Read more: Eric Bieniemy was emotionally honest about his decision to leave Bears
Given Thuney’s 10-year track record, there should be a high expectation that the Bears’ veteran still has plenty of good football left to play, which benefits everyone on the team.