"I'ma give credit to Dion Dawkins from Buffalo. He was truly instrumental, him and Andrew Whitworth, of just making sure that we recognize, as we would say, the big fellas." Dawki

The NFL is introducing a new award this year called the Protector of the Year. It recognizes the best offensive lineman in the league each season, rewarding a position that rarely gets the credit it deserves from fans and analysts.

Dawkins told reporters in January he felt strongly that offensive linemen deserved to be recognized, and this week, the NFL took action.