ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. — The NFL’s newest award didn’t just happen overnight.

“We’ve been talking about this for about three years,” said Bills offensive lineman Dion Dawkins .

And it certainly didn't become a reality without the Bills offensive tackle.

“I’m honored that no matter what now, that’s a part of my legacy."

Dawkins played a key role in the NFL’s Protector of the Year award, an honor that will debut this upcoming season for offensive linemen, which had been the only position not eligible for most on-field awards.

“I wanted to be one of those guys to speak about it vocally, and stand up front and really say 'look, us lineman need something,'” Dawkins said after the Bills first day of on-field OTAs.

The Bills Pro Bowl left tackle is not just an advocate for the award, but figu

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