The NFL will celebrate standout players from the 2025 season during its awards ceremony Thursday night, spotlighting Detroit Lions’ offensive tackle Penei Sewell as one of six finalists for the league’s first-ever Protector of the Year award. This honor recognizes the top offensive lineman based on their performance protecting the quarterback and contributing to offensive success. Sewell’s nomination highlights his strong season, despite the Lions’ offensive line facing challenges overall.
Aidan Hutchinson Also Recognized with Multiple NFL Honors Nods
Detroit’s defensive star Aidan Hutchinson is also a key figure at the NFL Honors event. He is a finalist for the Defensive Player of the Year and the Comeback Player of the Year awards. Hutchinson’s 2025 campaign was impressive, with 14.5 sacks, 35 quarterback hits, 14 tackles for loss, four forced fumbles, and an interception, in addition to leading the league with 100 pressures as tracked by Pro Football Focus (PFF). These achievements came after returning from a severe leg injury that ended his previous season prematurely.
Competition and Context for Hutchinson’s Defensive Player Award
Hutchinson faces stiff competition for Defensive Player of the Year, especially against Cleveland Browns pass rusher Myles Garrett, who set a new single-season sack record with 23 sacks and led the league with 33 tackles for loss. Despite this strong rivalry, Hutchinson’s resilience and production remain a critical part of Detroit’s defense core.
Honoring Effort and Resilience: Comeback Player of the Year Contenders
The Comeback Player of the Year category is especially competitive, featuring Hutchinson alongside notable players such as San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey, Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence, Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott, and New England Patriots wide receiver Stefan Diggs. These athletes returned to form following significant injuries or adversities, making for a compelling competition.
Penei Sewell’s Outstanding Performance Under Pressure
Despite the Detroit Lions’ offensive line struggles, Sewell’s individual performance drew praise across the league. He allowed only two sacks, 19 pressures, and six quarterback hits on 601 pass-blocking snaps, demonstrating his reliability in protecting quarterback Jared Goff. Although Goff was sacked 38 times throughout the season—a career high—the majority were not attributable to Sewell’s blocking.
Sewell earned Pro Bowl honors, was named a first-team All-Pro, and received the highest overall grade among offensive linemen from PFF. His 2025 pass-rushing grade also marked a career peak, exceeding 80.0 for the first time, while his run-blocking mark ranked second best in the analytics site’s historical data. Penei’s consistency and skill at right tackle set him apart as one of the NFL’s elite linemen.
Selection Process and Honors Ceremony Details
The winner of the Protector of the Year accolade will be chosen by an
elite selection committee of NFL Legends
, ensuring the award goes to the most deserving player based on a thorough, performance-driven evaluation. The annual NFL Honors event will be broadcast at 9 p.m. Thursday on NBC, NFL Network, and Peacock, preceded by a red carpet special starting at 8 p.m.
Additional Detroit Lions Award Recognition
Another Lions player, defensive tackle DJ Reader, is also nominated for the prestigious Walter Payton Man of the Year award. This honor recognizes excellence both on the field and through community contributions, with one nominee selected from each NFL team. Reader will compete against 31 other nominees for this distinguished recognition.
Impact and Outlook for Detroit Lions Players at NFL Honors
While Sewell and Hutchinson face tough competition in their respective categories, their nominations underscore the Lions’ growing talent and resilience as they work to build a competitive team. Penei Sewell’s protector award nomination is especially meaningful as it highlights his role as a cornerstone of the Lions’ offense.
The ceremony’s outcome will influence how these players are viewed league-wide moving forward, but regardless of results, their performances reflect determination and progression after a demanding season. Fans and analysts will watch closely to see how these honors impact Detroit’s momentum heading into the next NFL campaign.
