Chicago Bears guard Joe Thuney was honored with the NFL’s inaugural Protector of the Year Award at the NFL Honors ceremony on Thursday, recognizing his exceptional skill in pass blocking. The 10-year veteran has consistently demonstrated pass-blocking excellence, making a compelling case for Hall of Fame consideration.
Dominance in Pass Protection Since 2018
Since 2018, Joe Thuney has stood out as the top pass-blocking guard in the NFL, achieving a 91.4 PFF pass-blocking grade—the highest among guards during that period. Over 6,189 pass-blocking snaps, he has allowed pressure on just 3.3% of plays, a figure notable not only for its low rate but also for representing the largest workload by a wide margin. Furthermore, Thuney has given up quarterback knockdowns, including sacks or hits, on only 0.7% of his pass-blocking attempts, ranking third lowest across the league. His consistency has been remarkable, surrendering just seven total sacks in the past five seasons, even filling in at left tackle for two of those.
Exceptional Performance During the 2025 Season
Thuney’s 2025 campaign was another testament to his elite abilities, despite joining the Bears that year. His regular-season pass-blocking grade of 88.6 ranked third among all offensive linemen and was the highest among all NFL guards. His quarterback knockdown rate stood at a mere 0.1%, placing him third across all offensive linemen and first among his guard peers. He allowed pressure on only 2.2% of pass-blocking snaps, ranking fourth overall and leading all guards once again.
Notably, among the 65 guards who played at least 300 pass-blocking snaps in 2025, Thuney was the sole player who did not permit a single sack. This achievement is especially impressive given his heavy workload of 686 pass-blocking snaps, the fourth-highest at his position.
Impact on Bears’ Offensive Line and Pass Protection
The Bears entered the 2025 season with four new starters on the offensive line, and Thuney’s presence anchored the unit’s dramatic improvement in pass protection. Chicago’s pass-blocking allowed 180 total pressures and a league-high 37 sacks on 682 pass plays during the 2024 regular season, resulting in a PFF pass-blocking efficiency rating of 84.1, which ranked 21st in the league. In contrast, the following year, the Bears surrendered just 13 sacks—tied for the second-fewest—and achieved an 87.7 PFF pass-blocking efficiency rating, the third-best in the NFL.
Run-Blocking Consistency Adds to Versatility
While most recognized for his pass protection, Thuney has also been solid as a run blocker. Among 84 guards with at least 100 run-blocking snaps in 2025, he was one of only four to maintain a negative grade on fewer than 10% of his plays. His 8.9% negative-grade rate was the lowest among all guards and placed him seventh among all offensive linemen, highlighting his reliable contribution to the running game.
Durability and Positional Flexibility Throughout Career
Thuney’s career has been marked by both durability and adaptability. A key part of two dominant NFL dynasties, he has missed a mere two games over ten seasons. His ability to play multiple positions was evident when he filled in at left tackle during the 2025 postseason against the Rams. This versatility alongside consistent elite performance underscores why his legacy is one of historic superiority among offensive linemen.
Thuney’s Legacy and Path to the Hall of Fame
After receiving the first-ever Protector of the Year Award, Joe Thuney’s résumé now reflects more than just ongoing excellence—it illustrates a level of dominance seldom seen at the guard position. His sustained elite play, combined with his leadership and adaptability, has fueled discussions that his inclusion in the Hall of Fame is both deserved and overdue. As the Bears and the NFL look ahead, Thuney’s example sets a new standard for interior offensive linemen striving for lasting impact.
“Joe Thuney was outstanding all season, and his ability to protect the quarterback under pressure has been unmatched.” ?NFL Honors Presenter
