The Madden Most Valuable Protectors Award was a trophy awarded annually to the best offensive line of the National Football League.[1] The trophy, sponsored by Prilosec OTC, is named in honor of former NFL coach and commentator, John Madden.[2] Designed and sculpted by artist Tom Tsuchiya, the award's shape is meant to evoke a castle wall with the figures of the five offensive line players representing battlements.[3] The bronze trophy, finished with a silver nitratepatina, weighs 102 lbs (42.3 kg) and stands 161⁄2" (42 cm) tall.
The line of the New Orleans Saints became the inaugural winner of the trophy (for the 2009 season) on February 2, 2010 during the week leading up to Super Bowl XLIV. The Saints' offensive line included Jermon Bushrod, Carl Nicks, Jahri Evans, Jonathan Goodwin and Jon Stinchcomb. Each name of the members of the winning line will be engraved on the back of the trophy. Because the trophy is one of a kind, it will travel from one winning line's city to the next.
The San Francisco 49ers won the award for their play during the 2012 regular season.[7] The line was composed of Pro Bowlers Joe Staley and Mike Iupati at left tackle and left guard, respectively, center Jonathan Goodwin, who previously won the award with the New Orleans Saints, right guard Alex Boone and right tackle Anthony Davis.