Vikings Eligible for New Bacon
A few Minnesota Vikings players will be eligible in 2025 for new NFL award bacon.
The NFL expanded its award process, making a handful of Vikings players eligible for new bacon.
The league announced last week a long overdue award system for offensive linemen, a recipe that will identify the league’s best offensive lineman and call him “Protector of the Year.”
A New Offensive Lineman Award
NFL.com outlined the new honor last week: “A new Protector of the Year Award will honor the best offensive lineman each season beginning in 2025. The award, which will be presented annually at NFL Honors to the best offensive lineman of the season, symbolizes protection, durability, and the unsung heroics of the players who shield their teammates and drive their teams forward.”
“The award honors individual excellence and spotlights offensive linemen, whose contributions are often overlooked in the highlight-driven nature of football. It cements their role as the foundation of every great offense. Currently, offensive linemen are the only players who aren’t eligible for most on-field awards.”
Until this offseason, there was no good reason not to have an offensive lineman award. The league finally got with the times.
The Originator of the Award Weighs In
Buffalo Bills guard Dion Dawkins actively campaigned for the award and can be reasonably credited with its fruition.
He said about the Protector of the Year award, “This Protector of the Year award is finally giving the big boys up front the respect we deserve. 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.”
Retired lineman Andrew Whitworth added, “This award means everything to the big guys up front. The Protector of the Year isn’t just about stats — it’s about the mindset, grit, and leadership it takes to be the foundation of a football team. It’s time the men who lead, protect, and never ask for credit are recognized as the backbone of this game.”
Which Vikings Could Win the Thing?
In years past, the Vikings would not have had many men in the mix for the new award because, well, the offensive line experienced troubles during the Mike Zimmer era (2014-2021).
Now, however, with Kevin O’Connell in the house since 2022, the offensive trenches reflect respectability, for the most part.
Men like left tackle Christian Darrisaw, right tackle Brian O’Neill, center Ryan Kelly, and guard Will Fries can be considered contenders for Protector of the Year as early as 2025.
Minnesota also drafted Ohio State’s Donovan Jackson last month, but a rookie isn’t expected to win the award.
Vikings Showcase Revamped Offensive Line
After losing a playoff game in January, while surrendering nine sacks to the Los Angeles Rams, the Vikings vowed offensive line repairs after the game — and they delivered. The team signed the aforementioned Fries and Kelly from free agency and Jackson from the draft.
It’s a new era for the Vikings’ offensive line, a fivesome that might be Minnesota’s best, at least on paper, in 30 years.
Frontrunner for First-Ever Protector Award
Veterans like Trent Williams (OT, San Francisco 49ers), Dion Dawkins (G, Buffalo Bills), Laremy Tunsil (OT, Washington Commanders), and Penei Sewell (OT, Detroit Lions) are expected to be frontrunners for the award per sportsbooks.
CBS Sports listed Philadelphia Eagles tackle Lane Johnson as the foremost leader to win the inaugural award.
Cody Benjamin explained, “Is it a coincidence the Protector of the Year award was announced the same day NFL owners upheld the ‘Tush Push’ play perfected by Johnson and the Eagles? Perhaps, but that doesn’t mean Johnson isn’t still the league’s smoothest blocker at 35.”
“He’s good for a one- or two-game absence every year due to wear and tear, but his combination of length, power and athleticism are nearly unmatched. He’s a huge reason Philly has boasted one of the NFL’s most unstoppable fronts even after Jason Kelce’s retirement.”
Indeed, voters could get the award off the ground with lifetime achievement-style recognition. Hence, the Johnson love from CBS Sports.
Darrisaw can be classified as the Vikings’ top protector candidate, though it’s unclear if Darrisaw will be ready for Week 1 after tearing his ACL last October.
Former Vikings QB Keeps Door Open
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