The role of NFL offensive lineman isn’t a glamorous one. Their names are rarely mentioned, yet their faces are the first thing opponents see at the line of scrimmage. They are prodded, poked, and even gouged, while their offensive counterparts get all the recognition … yet they provide the invaluable service of quarterback protection.

Consider the two Super Bowl teams. Indianapolis allowed only 10 sacks in the regular season. New Orleans led the league in scoring (31.9 points per game) and average yards (403.8 yards) largely because Drew Brees had time to find his targets.

So it was no surprise then that the Colts and Saints were finalists for John Madden's inaugural “Most Valuable Protectors Award.”

“This is something I’ve always believed in and is long overdue,” said Madden, who participated in the event via satellite.

After final votes were tallied, the Saints unit of Jon Stinchcomb, Jermon Bushrod, Jahri Evans, Carl Nicks and Jonathan Goodwin came away with the award Wednesday. Hall of Famer Anthony Munoz, arguably one of the greatest offensive lineman to ever play the game, and NFL Network analyst Jamie Dukes were on hand to present the award. Former Saints quarterback Archie Manning accepted the award on behalf of the line.

“No one ever praised and took care of offensive linemen like coach Madden did in all his years as an announcer," Manning said. "He always made a point to give credit to these guys, so I feel proud to represent the Saints’ offensive line today.”

Manning also credited Saints offensive line coach Aaron Kromer for his work with the unit.

Fans were encouraged to vote online throughout the 2009 season for their favorite offensive line. Those votes were combined with those from a panel of experts deemed the “Purple Ribbon Panel” comprised of Dukes, fellow analysts Marshall Faulk, Steve Mariucci and host Rich Eisen.

-- JENNA LAINE
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