Miami Dolphins offensive lineman Aaron Brewer has been named a finalist for the NFL's Protector of the Year Award, the league announced Thursday.
In its inaugural year, the Protector of the Year Award honors the season's top offensive lineman. The award symbolizes protection, durability and the unsung heroics of the players who shield their teammates and drive their teams forward. The winner is chosen by a group of former All-Pro centers, guards, and tackles, bringing championship experience and position-specific expertise to the evaluation.
Brewer anchored an offensive line that led the way for a rushing attack that averaged 4.7 yards per rush, the fourth-best mark in the NFL in 2025. He allowed only one sack in 2025, according to PFF, which was tied for the fewest among starting centers across the league. The offensive line did not allow a sack in four games all year, the third most in the NFL, trailing only Jacksonville and Houston, each of which had five. The Dolphins rushed for at least 100 yards in each of those four games, becoming one of only four teams in 2025 to record 100-plus rushing yards without allowing a sack in four or more games (Jacksonville, 5; Detroit, 4; Houston, 4).
Brewer, who joined the Dolphins in 2024 as a free agent, served as a team captain for the first time in his career in 2025 and was named a second-team AP All-Pro.
The winner of the inaugural Protector of the Year Award will be announced at NFL Honors presented by Invisalign on Thursday, Feb. 5, at 9 p.m. ET at the Palace of Fine Arts in San Francisco. The show will be broadcast on NBC and NFL Network, with streaming available on Peacock and NFL+.
