Now, the NFL is finally shining a spotlight on one of its most vital — and overlooked — roles.
Creed Humphrey, the Kansas City Chiefs’ All-Pro center, has been named a finalist for the inaugural NFL Protector of the Year award, a brand-new honor created to recognize the league’s best offensive lineman.
The award is designed to celebrate “protection, durability, and the unsung heroics of players who shield their teammates and drive their teams forward.”
Few descriptions fit better.
🛡️ A season built on reliability
Humphrey’s nomination comes after yet another dominant campaign anchoring the Chiefs’ offensive line.
The 26-year-old was named first-team All-Pro by the Associated Press for the second straight season, cementing his reputation as one of the most dependable linemen in football.
Even more remarkable? Availability.
Humphrey started all 17 regular-season games in 2025 — marking the fifth consecutive season he has played every game since entering the NFL. In a league defined by injuries and attrition, that consistency alone separates him from most of his peers.
🏆 Elite competition
According to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, Humphrey is one of six finalists for the new award, joined by some of the most respected linemen in the game:
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Garett Bolles – Denver Broncos
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Aaron Brewer – Miami Dolphins
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Quinn Meinerz – Denver Broncos
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Joe Thuney – Chicago Bears
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Penei Sewell – Detroit Lions
Notably, Humphrey will be competing against four other All-Pro first-team linemen, plus the second-team All-Pro center — a shortlist that underlines just how elite the field is.
🏈 Why Humphrey stands out
While the Chiefs endured a difficult 2025 season, Humphrey remained one of the team’s most stable foundations — keeping the interior clean, making protection calls, and quietly doing the hardest job on the offense snap after snap.
Centers rarely get headlines.
They rarely get awards.
That’s exactly why this honor exists.
The Protector of the Year award aims to reframe how greatness is measured — not in highlights, but in trust, durability, and leadership.
⏳ What happens next?
The winner is expected to be announced during NFL Honors, held on the Thursday before Super Bowl LX.
Whether or not Humphrey takes home the trophy, his nomination alone sends a powerful message:
The league is finally acknowledging that championships aren’t built only by stars — but by the players who protect them.
And for Creed Humphrey, that recognition feels long overdue. 🛡️🏈
