When compared to other “name” offensive linemen, Buffalo Bills left tackle Dion Dawkins may not be the most talented, but he might be the most eccentric.
The outspoken Pro Bowler was a key player in the NFL's latest announcement of adding a "Protector of the Year" award moving forward. The award will be given to the best offensive lineman of the year.
For Dawkins, this is a massive deal. For decades, even the greatest offensive linemen were cast aside in NFL history in terms of credit in favor of all-time great skill players.
The creation of this award will highlight players who rarely get credited for success.
And for a player like Dawkins? Well, the 31-year-old is proud of the fact that his legacy will be tied to this award - even if he doesn't win it in the future.
"It's very cool that my domino piece makes noise when it falls," Dawkins said, via The Athletic's Tim Graham. "Just to be a regular kid from Jersey, go to Temple, be a second-round pick to Buffalo, to having a voice so big that it reaches all 32 teams and then some.
"This is a part of my legacy now, and I stand on it."
Dawkins isn't the best left tackle in the game. But he has already left a lasting legacy on the game off the field.
From being an eccentric character in NFL history to helping to create an award for the best lineman in the league, Dawkins will be etched in history forever.