The new NFL Protector of the Year Award is set to shine a spotlight on the league’s best offensive linemen. Saints legend Jahri Evans stands out as a possible winner of the inaugural honor.
The Protector of the Year Award recognizes the top offensive lineman each season, rewarding the unsung heroes who protect quarterbacks and create running lanes.
What Is the NFL Protector of the Year Award?
The NFL introduced the Protector of the Year Award at the 2025 spring meeting. This new accolade will be decided by a panel of former offensive line greats. This group includes names like Jason Kelce, Orlando Pace, and Andrew Whitworth.
The panel will judge candidates based on skills, impact, leadership, durability, and the strength of opponents faced during the season. The award aims to give overdue recognition to offensive linemen, a position group often overlooked for individual honors.
Jahri Evans: A Leading Candidate
Jahri Evans, a former New Orleans Saints guard and current assistant offensive line coach, is drawing attention as a possible winner of the inaugural Protector of the Year Award.
Evans built a Hall of Fame-caliber career with the Saints, earning six Pro Bowl selections and four First-Team All-Pro honors. He played a key role in the Saints’ Super Bowl XLIV victory and was named to the NFL 2010s All-Decade Team.
Evans was known for his durability and consistency, starting every game in nine of his eleven seasons with New Orleans. He helped the Saints lead the league in total offense six times and was a cornerstone in both run and pass blocking.
Legendary quarterback Drew Brees called Evans “the best offensive lineman I ever played with,” highlighting his leadership and reliability.
Why Evans Deserves the Spotlight
Evans’ career is a model of excellence for the new award. His ability to stay healthy, play at a high level, and anchor one of the NFL’s most productive offenses makes him a standout candidate.
As the NFL begins to recognize offensive linemen with the Protector of the Year Award, Evans’ legacy and impact on the game set a high bar for future winners.
The NFL Protector of the Year Award is a long-overdue recognition for offensive linemen. Jahri Evans, with his stellar career and leadership, is a top contender for this prestigious new honor. As the league celebrates its protectors, Evans’ name will be at the forefront of the conversation.