A Hall of Famer for his ability, former Steelers center Mike Webster became the most recognizable name and face of the plight of linemen suffering repeated blows to the head while battling in the trenches.

The results were tragic for Webster, marring his post-football existence and bringing his life to an untimely end at the age of 50.

And it was after his passing that Webster perhaps has had his greatest impact.  Through a landmark effort to win disability benefits from the league, Webster’s experiences have helped focus attention on this problem.

So for his performances and, more importantly, his sacrifices, our annual award given to the top offensive lineman in the NFL is named for Mike Webster.

The first recipients are Steve Hutchinson and Matt Birk of the Minnesota Vikings. 

Birk, whose time in the NFL is winding down, deserves the recognition for a career of solid performances, a significant amount of charity work, stellar on-field and off-field leadership, and (perhaps more importantly) being a friend of PFT.

Hutchinson’s selection arises more for his impact – which can be seen both in the performance of the Minnnesota rushing game since he arrived from Seattle and the disappearance of the Seahawks’ running attack since he left.  Also, Hutchinson is a card-carrying member of PFT Planet, so he got some brownie points for that, too.