Bills' Dion Dawkins sees Protector of the Year award as part of his 'legacy' after advocating for OL recognition

Dion Dawkins, offensive tackle for the Buffalo Bills, has been influential in establishing the NFL's new "Protector of the Year" award, set to debut in 2025. This accolade will honor the league's top offensive lineman. Dawkins has been a vocal advocate for recognizing the contributions of offensive linemen, even discussing the issue with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell. A panel of former All-Pro linemen will select the award's recipient. Although Dawkins has yet to earn an All-Pro title, his consistent performance—evident in his four consecutive Pro Bowl selections—positions him as a contender for the award. Whether he wins or not, Dawkins' legacy is firmly tied to this initiative, underscoring his commitment to honoring the vital role of offensive linemen in football.