The Kansas City Chiefs entered the 2025 NFL season with championship aspirations, but their campaign quickly spiraled into disappointment. A cascade of injuries, inconsistent performances, and mounting losses culminated in a disappointing 6-11 record, marking the first time in over a decade that the storied franchise missed the postseason.
A Beacon of Consistency in a Turbulent Season
Amidst the team's struggles, one player's performance remained unshakably elite: center Creed Humphrey. While the Chiefs' overall fortunes declined, Humphrey's play never wavered, establishing him as the bedrock of the offensive line. Now, at just 26 years old, his exceptional contributions are receiving formal recognition on the national stage.
Historic Nomination for a New Award
According to a report from ESPN insider Jeremy Fowler, Creed Humphrey has been officially nominated for the NFL's inaugural Protector of the Year Award. This newly created honor is specifically designed to celebrate the often-overlooked excellence of offensive linemen who dominate in the trenches without regular spotlight.
"Chiefs center Creed Humphrey is a nominee for the NFL's protector of the year award, per league source," Fowler reported. This nomination alone places Humphrey among the league's most respected and dominant interior linemen.
Why Humphrey's Recognition is Significant
The nomination is a testament to Humphrey's sustained excellence. He earned First-Team All-Pro honors for the second consecutive year in 2025, becoming the sole Chiefs player to achieve that distinction. He also earned a Pro Bowl Games selection alongside teammates Chris Jones and Trey Smith.
His value was particularly evident before quarterback Patrick Mahomes' injury. Humphrey served as Mahomes' primary protector, anchoring an offensive line that managed to keep the offense functional despite significant roster changes and adversity. His ability to maintain a high standard is precisely the type of contribution the Protector of the Year Award aims to highlight.
The Award and the Competition
The NFL states that the Protector of the Year Award "honors individual excellence and spotlights offensive linemen, whose contributions are often overlooked in the highlight-driven nature of football." Humphrey's nomination puts him in elite company, but he faces formidable competition for the trophy.
The other finalists for the award include:
- Garett Bolles
- Aaron Brewer
- Quinn Meinerz
- Joe Thuney
- Penei Sewell
This strong group of contenders underscores the prestige of the nomination. The winner will be revealed during the NFL Honors ceremony on February 5 at the Palace of Fine Arts in San Francisco, just days before Super Bowl Sunday.
For the Chiefs, Humphrey's nomination serves as a bright spot in a forgettable season, confirming that even when team results falter, individual greatness can still rise to the forefront and earn its rightful recognition.
