A Voice That Sparked Change
Buffalo Bills offensive tackle Dion Dawkins, known for his outspoken nature, now has tangible proof that his advocacy has made a lasting impact.
The NFL revealed during Wednesday’s Spring League Meeting that it will introduce a new annual honor, the Protector of the Year award, starting in the 2025 season. This award will recognize the league’s top offensive lineman. Troy Vincent, executive vice president of football operations, specifically acknowledged Dawkins as a driving force behind the award’s creation.
In recent seasons, Dawkins has been vocal about the need for recognition for offensive linemen, a position often overlooked despite its critical importance. He even took his message directly to Commissioner Roger Goodell to argue the case. “It’s very cool that my domino piece makes noise when it falls,” Dawkins said, via The Athletic’s Tim Graham.
“Just to be a regular kid from Jersey, go to Temple, be a second-round pick to Buffalo, to having a voice so big that it reaches all 32 teams and then some. This is a part of my legacy now, and I stand on it.”
A Panel of Legends to Decide
The winner of the inaugural award will be selected by a panel of six former All-Pro offensive linemen: LeCharles Bentley, Jason Kelce, Shaun O’Hara, Orlando Pace, Will Shields, and Andrew Whitworth.
Now that the award is officially part of the NFL’s honors, Dawkins has set his sights on becoming its first recipient.
A Proven Veteran on a Mission
Though still chasing his first All-Pro nod, Dawkins has built a solid résumé over eight seasons. He has never missed more than one game in a season and has earned Pro Bowl honors in each of the last four years. With that consistency and experience, winning the award is well within reach.
Regardless of the outcome, his influence on its creation is cemented. “This Protector of the Year award is finally giving the big boys up front the respect we deserve,” he said, per a release by the NFL regarding the award.
“I’ve been knocking on doors and spearheading this movement because offensive linemen are the true foundation of every team’s success. We might not have all the fancy stats as the skinnies or end up on a highlight reel every week, but without us, there’s no rushing titles, passing titles, or touchdowns.”
“This award is for all the unsung heroes who put in work every snap. I won’t stop fighting to give offensive linemen the respect and recognition we deserve.”
