Miami Dolphins center Aaron Brewer has been named a finalist for the first-ever NFL Protector of the Year award.
The Miami Dolphins are looking to rebuild after a disappointing 7-10 finish, their second losing season in a row.
While the Dolphins have already made drastic moves, including firing head coach Mike McDonald and bringing on Jeff Hafley, there are some great pieces to build off of.
This includes center Aaron Brewer, an NFL veteran who has been a consistent force on the offensive line. And it seems that the NFL is recognizing this as well.
For the first time ever, the NFL is giving out the Protector of the Year award, finally recognizing the best offensive lineman in the league. And Brewer is getting the recognition he deserves.
Brewer's fellow finalists are offensive tackle Garrett Bolles of the Denver Broncos, center Creed Humphrey of the Kansas City Chiefs, offensive guard Quinn Meinerz of the Broncos, offensive guard Joe Thuney of the Chicago Bears, and offensive tackle Penei Sewell of the Detroit Lions.
This news comes after Brewer wasn't selected for the 2026 Pro Bowl. However, he was named to the All-Pro second team.
After being unselected in the 2020 NFL Draft, Brewer was brought into the league by the Tennessee Titans, where he remained until 2023. After the 2023 season, Brewer signed a three-year contract with the Dolphins, meaning he will still be around for the 2026 NFL Season.
Per PFF, Brewer is rated second among 40 qualified centers, with an overall grade of 87.4. His 91.5 run blocking grade is ranked first, and his 71.2 pass blocking grade is ranked 10th.
During his time in the NFL, Brewer has played in 91 games, 73 of which he started. He has recorded two fumble recoveries in that time.
Prior to the NFL, Brewer played for Sam Houston State and Texas State where he was named third-team All-Sun Belt in 2016 and 2017 as well as second-team All-Sun Belt in 2019.
This marks the first time the Protector of the Year will be given out as an end-of-year award. While the entire offensive line had previously been recognized with the Madden Most Valuable Protectors Award from 2009-2012 and the Built Ford Tough Offensive Line of the Year award from 2016-2018, this will be the first time the NFL has officially recognized an individual offensive lineman.
The award was championed by Buffalo Bills lineman and four-time Pro Bowler Dion Dawkins, who believes that "offensive linemen are the true foundation of every team's success."
"This award is for all the unsung heroes who put in work every snap. I won’t stop fighting to give offensive linemen the respect and recognition we deserve,” Dawkins said.
The Protector of the Year award will be given out alongside other end of year awards at the NFL Honors ceremony on Thursday, February 5, 2026.