Former Los Angeles Rams left tackle Andrew Whitworth wants some recognition for the big men who block for the most important player on the field.
Currently, there’s no year-end award for offensive linemen in the NFL. The Most Valuable Player honor typically goes to a quarterback on one of the best teams. Offensive Player of the Year is usually awarded to the top skill player – say, a running back or wide receiver.
There’s no award dedicated to offensive linemen, but Whitworth is trying to change that. He’s pushing for the NFL to add an official honor for the position, recognizing the best lineman each year.
“For an offensive lineman, just because you play in a group, the reality on most plays is that it's one on one,” Whitworth told Sam Farmer of the L.A. Times this week.
“Having an award like this would let an individual stand up there as the best of the best. Every young kid in high school that may be teetering as to whether he wants to be an offensive lineman or not can say, 'Wow, look at Trent Williams. Look at Lane Johnson.’ It’s an inspiration to want to be great.”
Bills lineman Dion Dawkins brought up the idea during his media session ahead of the AFC title game in January, and Whitworth responded on social media. That may have been when the concept was born.
My man ! @DDawkins66
— Andrew Whitworth (@AndrewWhitworth) January 23, 2025
We on it! “The Shield” https://t.co/5ZUa1YJdrS
According to Farmer, Whitworth has “shared the idea with Commissioner Roger Goodell and says he has gotten positive feedback.”
As Whitworth mentioned in the tweet above, the “Shield Award” is one potential name for it.
We'll see if this ever gets enough traction to become an official post-season award at the NFL Honors show, but it sure is a great concept. With quarterbacks, running backs and wide receivers getting all the attention when it comes to awards, it's time for the big men to get their flowers.
This article originally appeared on Rams Wire: Rams legend Andrew Whitworth wants NFL to add offensive lineman award
