The Denver Broncos have two players listed on the six-name nominee list for the NFL’s first-ever Protector of the Year award.
Denver Broncos RG Quinn Meinerz, LT Garett Bolles nominees for NFL’s Protector of the Year award
The NFL hands out a handful of different awards, like NFL Defensive Player of the Year, MVP, Coach of the Year, Comeback Player of the Year, Walter Payton Man of the Year and now they’ll be handing out the first-ever Protector of the Year award.
The award honors the best offensive lineman, who symbolizes protection, durability, and the unsung heroics of the players who shield their teammates and drive their teams forward.
Garett Bolles and Quinn Meinerz both embodied these traits during the 2025 regular season. Bolles and Meinerz were also named as first-team All-Pros this season, with Meinerz being named to his second consecutive bid.
Both players had terrific seasons as the Broncos found themselves at 14-3 in the regular season, before winning their first playoff game in over ten years against the Buffalo Bills in the Divisional round.
The award will be handed out at the NFL Honors, which takes place right before Super Bowl 60.
Elements that factor into the winner of the award will range from a handful of different metrics.
- Skill Metrics: pass-block win rate, run-block win rate, penalties allowed, sacks allowed, helmet contact
- Impact: contribution to the team’s offensive success (e.g., total rushing yards, QB protection stats)
- Leadership: display of leadership, teamwork, and consistency on and off the field
- Durability: minimum number of snaps, games played
- Strength of Opponent: Success vs. high-performing defenders
Voting will consist of former offensive linemen who make up the panel for the award’s voting.
- LeCharles Bentley – center/guard (New Orleans Saints and Cleveland Browns, 2002-2007), two-time Pro Bowl Selection and first-team All-Pro
- Jason Kelce – center (Philadelphia Eagles 2011-2023), seven-time Pro Bowl Selection, six-time First Team All-Pro, named to NFL’s 2010s All-Decade Team, and Super Bowl LII champion
- Shaun O’Hara – center (Cleveland Browns and New York Giants, 2000-2010), three-time All-Pro and Super Bowl XLII champion
- Orlando Pace – tackle (St. Louis Rams and Chicago Bears 1997-2009), five-time All-Pro, named to NFL’s 2000s All-Decade Team, and Super Bowl XXXIV champion
- Will Shields – guard (Kansas City Chiefs, 1993-2006), 12-time Pro Bowl selection, three-time First-Team All-Pro, 2023 Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year, and Pro Football Hall of Fame inductee (2015)
- Andrew Whitworth – tackle (Cincinnati Bengals and Los Angeles Rams, 2006-2021), two first-team All-Pro Selections, 2021 Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year, and Super Bowl LVI champion
To have two players on the Broncos representing the list of nominees is a testament to the performance and consistency of Meinerz and Bolles all season long.