The Detroit Lions left the 2025 NFL Honors without receiving any accolades, much to the disappointment of their fans. A particularly contentious moment was the unexpected omission of Penei Sewell from the Protector of the Year award. Sewell, a formidable offensive lineman, was widely regarded as the top candidate for this inaugural honor, having demonstrated an unparalleled season. His statistics underscored his dominance, making his non-selection a perplexing outcome that has fueled widespread discussion and criticism.
Penei Sewell's performance in the 2025 season was nothing short of exceptional. According to detailed analytics from Pro Football Focus (PFF), Sewell achieved an outstanding overall grade of 95.2, placing him at the pinnacle among all tackles in the league. His run-blocking grade was even more impressive, reaching 96.8, also the highest in his position. Throughout nearly a thousand offensive snaps, Sewell conceded only two sacks and incurred just two penalties, showcasing remarkable discipline and effectiveness. He consistently neutralized elite pass rushers and was the cornerstone of the Detroit Lions' offensive strategy, often forcing opposing teams to adjust their defensive schemes to avoid his formidable presence. This level of impact is typically characteristic of an elite player.
However, despite these overwhelming statistics and his profound influence on the game, the Protector of the Year award was granted to Joe Thuney of the Bears. While Thuney is an acknowledged and excellent player, many argue that Sewell's 2025 season distinguished itself significantly. This decision was particularly jarring for the Lions, who had multiple nominations but ultimately went home empty-handed. The failure to recognize Sewell, especially for an award designed to honor the league's premier offensive lineman, has led to a sense of injustice among many observers. This was the first time the award was presented, making the initial standard-setting decision even more crucial and, in the eyes of many, misguided.
Despite the disappointment of the awards ceremony, it's important to remember that such honors do not diminish a player's on-field capabilities. Penei Sewell is set to enter the 2026 season as one of the most highly respected players in the NFL, regardless of whether he has a trophy to show for it. However, moments like these can be disheartening, particularly when outstanding performance goes unrecognized, suggesting a fundamental misunderstanding or misjudgment in the evaluation process. Sewell wasn't merely overlooked; his exceptional contributions were conspicuously unacknowledged.