NC State gives Joe Thuney tribute that fans knew was inevitable

Joe Thuney is likely going to find himself honored by more than one institution as his esteemed football career finds its eventual conclusion. There's no slowing him down at the NFL level, but his alma mater has decided it's time to pay tribute to the excellence he displayed as a member of North Carolina State's football team more than a decade ago.

The Wolfpack announced that they would honor Thuney with induction into the school's Ring of Honor, which makes him the 14th former player to earn the award.

Thuney came to N.C. State as a three-star offensive line recruit out of Archbishop Alter High School near Dayton, Ohio. He played for the Wolfpack from 2012 to 2015 with starts all over the offensive front—literally at all five positions—and provided an essential presence up front for Dave Doeren as he settled in as head coach, with his first year in Thuney's sophomore season (2013).

While Thuney wasn't a hot prospect in mock drafts, the New England Patriots went against the grain and drafted Thuney in the third round to the surprise of most in 2016. (Even NFL.com's official profile had Thuney projected as an undrafted free agent.) From there, Thuney became an instant starter from day one at left guard and never let go of the post.

Thuney's greatness is well-established at this point. He made the 2016 All-Rookie Team, validating the Patriots' decision to grab him on day two of the draft. Three years later, he'd become the first player to ever start in three Super Bowls in his first three seasons. He would earn his first All-Pro nod in 2019, his fourth season, and played one more year (2020) in New England on the franchise tag.

In 2021, Thuney left Foxborough for the first time in free agency and signed a massive deal with the Kansas City Chiefs to anchor the line in front of Patrick Mahomes. The Chiefs signed Thuney to a five-year, $80 million deal and will be remembered as one of Brett Veach's best-ever signings. It's in K.C. that Thuney elevated his game and became recognized as one of the truly elite pass blockers of a generation, with three Pro Bowl honors and three All-Pro (two first-team) mentions.

Thuney was dealt to the Chicago Bears before the 2025 season as the Chiefs shifted their finances in the wake of Trey Smith's looming free agency. In Chicago, Thuney not only continued his streak of first-team All-Pro honors and Pro Bowl appearances, but he also earned the NFL's first Protector of the Year award.

Doeren is still N.C. State's head coach, giving him a unique look at the level of talent on the field over such a long stretch for the Wolfpack. He had tremendous things to say about Thuney's legacy and praised his impact on the program.

"Joe was the true definition of a team player during his time at NC State. He was willing to start wherever he was needed and he excelled at each position. He established a standard on the Wolfpack offensive line that players for the last decade have worked to live up to, which is one reason we've had two offensive linemen drafted in the first-round since then and have six on NFL rosters today. He worked just as hard in the classroom as he did on the field and truly deserves to have his name enshrined among other NC State stars."

Here's a look at the full list of players who have earned induction into the Ring of Honor at N.C. State