Joe Thuney parents had a proud moment Thursday night as the Chicago Bears guard won the NFL’s first-ever Protector of the Year award at the 2026 NFL Honors in San Francisco.
Joe Thuney’s consistency has long set him apart among NFL offensive linemen, and Thursday night marked the moment it was recognized on the sport’s biggest stage.
The first NFL Protector of the Year award was won by the Chicago Bears guard at the 2026 NFL Honors in San Francisco, which became a milestone in his ten-year career.
Shaped by discipline and preparation since his days in Centerville, Ohio, Thuney brought immediate stability to Chicago’s offensive line, helping fuel an 11–6 season and a return to the playoffs.
Beyond the recognition itself, the honor reflected a longer journey, one shaped by years of support from his parents as Thuney worked his way to the top of the league’s offensive line ranks.
Mike and Beth Thuney, The Family Foundation Behind Joe Thuney’s NFL Success
Behind the historic honor earned by Joe Thuney stands a stable, close-knit family that moulded his career and personality.
Born on November 18, 1992, in Centerville, Ohio, Thuney is an American professional football player of white ethnicity and the youngest child of Mike and Beth Thuney.
He grew up alongside his older brother Eric and sisters Monica and Megan in a household where discipline, education, and mutual support were central values.
Raised in Centerville, Thuney attended Archbishop Alter High School, where his work ethic first separated him from his peers.
That foundation carried him to NC State, and later into the NFL after he was drafted by the New England Patriots in 2016.
Over time, he developed into one of the league’s most reliable offensive linemen, winning multiple Super Bowls with both the Patriots and the Kansas City Chiefs before joining the Chicago Bears.
Much of that consistency traces back to his parents. Beth Thuney, his mother, has largely remained out of the spotlight, but her role has been constant.
From high school games to Super Bowl Sundays, she has been her son’s most vocal supporter. Reflecting on his first championship win in Super Bowl LI, Beth once recalled the moment with raw emotion:
“We were hugging, crying, covered in confetti, shouting, ‘Can you believe it?’”
Beth Thuney
At the same time, Mike Thuney, the father of Joe, was a busy physician with practical experience in the growth of his son.
Mike was a constant presence, despite his hectic professional life, he provided guidance, perspective, and unwavering encouragement.
Beyond football, the family also emphasized personal growth. He is said to be fluent in Spanish, which is a testament to the well-rounded upbringing that his parents promoted.
A Historic Night in San Francisco: Joe Thuney’s Protector of the Year Win
On February 5, 2026, Joe Thuney reached a milestone moment, capturing the NFL’s first-ever Protector of the Year award at the 15th annual NFL Honors in San Francisco.
The reward was the culmination of a brilliant first season with the Chicago Bears and a solid establishment as one of the top offensive linemen in the league.
Thuney was acquired in an offseason trade, which immediately provided the unit with stability, which had been lacking the previous year.
He has not given up a sack, has been the best pass blocker among the guards, and has received a 79.4 Pro Football Focus grade, which highlights his influence throughout the line.
His presence helped reduce Chicago’s sack total from 68 in 2024 to 24 in 2025, while giving quarterback Caleb Williams the protection needed to flourish during an 11–6 season and playoff run to the NFC Divisional Round.
Voted the best among finalists that included Quinn Meinerz, Garett Bolles, Aaron Brewer, Creed Humphrey, and Penei Sewell, Thuney earned the award through a process led by an elite committee of NFL legends.
While the Bears’ turnaround drew national attention, the night ensured Thuney’s impact was unmistakable, recognizing durability, leadership, and excellence in a season that redefined Chicago’s offensive identity.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is Joe Thuney’s net worth in 2026?
By early 2026, the net worth of Joe Thuney is estimated to be in the tens of millions of dollars due to an $80 million Chiefs deal and a $51 million extension with the Chicago Bears.
Is Joe Thuney married?
As of early 2026, Joe Thuney has not officially announced his marriage, and he prefers to keep his personal life confidential, no wife is mentioned in the official or public documents.
How many Super Bowl rings has Joe Thuney won?
He has four Super Bowl titles in his NFL career, two with the New England Patriots and two with the Kansas City Chiefs.
Why did the Chiefs trade Joe Thuney to the Bears?
The Chiefs traded him to the Bears in exchange for a draft pick in the fourth round, which was influenced largely by flexibility in the salary cap and a general restructuring.
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