Once upon a time, just about every offensive lineman measured up his first splits and took his first three-point stance reluctantly.
Whether it was at the Pop Warner or high school level, they likely realized they were lining up for a spot that would offer little-to-no acclaim.
Andrew Whitworth, a retired four-time Pro Bowler who's now part of the Prime Video Thursday Night Football crew, believes it's time for the highest level of the game to recognize offensive linemen at year's end.
"For an offensive lineman, just because you play in a group, the reality on most plays is that it's one on one," Whitworth, a two-time All-Pro, told the Los Angeles Times’ Sam Farmer recently.
"Having an award like this would let an individual stand up there as the best of the best. Every young kid in high school that may be teetering as to whether he wants to be an offensive lineman or not can say, 'Wow, look at [the San Francisco 49ers'] Trent Williams. Look at [the Philadelphia Eagles'] Lane Johnson.' It's an inspiration to want to be great."
Much as he did during a sterling 16-season career with the Cincinnati Bengals and Los Angeles Rams, Whitworth is looking to pave the way for the inclusion of the "Shield Award" -- a working title, per Farmer -- that would recognize the best offensive lineman each season.
Each year on Super Bowl week, NFL Honors recognizes the game's elite with a list of awards.
However, it's rare that any offensive lineman in attendance has reason to take the stage.
Whitworth was the 2021 Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year, receiving the league's greatest honor just prior to helping the Rams to a Super Bowl win. He was the sixth O-lineman recognized for the honor, which lauds players for the off-the-field contributions as much as their on-field success.
Offensive linemen have been shut out of any other award, though.
No AP Comeback Players of the Year.
No AP Offensive Players of the Year or Offensive Rookies of the Year.
And certainly, no AP Most Valuable Player accolade. It's next door to guaranteed there will never be an offensive lineman who takes home the MVP.
So, why not an award recognizing the most outstanding offensive lineman every season?
