Thuney won the award in his first season with the Bears, bolstering an offensive line that struggled in 2024 and needed a proven guard to maximize its potential under new coach Ben Johnson. Thuney did just that, stabilizing the group and giving sophomore quarterback Caleb Williams the time he needed to flourish in a memorable 11-6 finish and run to the NFC playoffs.
While Johnson stands as a symbol of Chicago’s turnaround, the Defensive Player of the Year award ensures Thuney is among those deserving of praise. He posted a Pro Football Focus grade of 79.4 — good for fifth among all NFL guards — and finished first in pass blocking, according to PFF, underscoring his importance to one of the NFL’s most entertaining and explosive offenses.
Thuney, a 10-year-old, joined the Bears in a trade with the Kansas City Chiefs, with whom he had spent the previous four seasons and won two Super Bowls. Before joining the Chiefs, Thuney spent five seasons with the New England Patriots, winning his first two Super Bowls.
While 2025 won’t include another Super Bowl ring for his trophy case, Thuney will go home knowing he’s earned the respect of the most respected group of offensive linemen ever assembled to determine the best.
The winner was determined by an elite selection committee of NFL Legends: two-time Pro Bowler and position-specific training specialist LeCharles Bentley, six-time All-Pro Jason Kelce, three-time Pro Bowler Shaun O’Hara, 2021 Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year and Super Bowl LVI champion Whitworth, and Pro Football Hall of Famers Orlando P.