I couldn’t help but to think of the best center in the NFL when I thought about how far the game has come. My answer for that title is Cody Whitehair of the Chicago Bears. He’s an impressive player who has consistently topped the offensive lineman charts season after season.
First thing’s first: Whitehair is a physical marvel. A center’s job is to hold up the line as an anchor on each side of the ball. Whitehair knows how to anchor the offense. He’s already one of the strongest centers in the NFL, and continues to show his toughness week after week. He’s brought stability to the Chicago Bears since his emergence into the starting lineup.
On the flip side, Whitehair’s not just a bruiser. He’s got hands of gold—his pass-blocking in the pocket is second to none. He consistently keeps pressure off the quarterback in obvious passing situations. He’s also good at identifying stunts and blitz packages, helping him shut down pesky pass rushers.
In the running game, Whitehair is a bulldozer. He knows how to set up blocks and establish run lanes for the running backs. Chicago Bears’ running backs have a lot to thank Whitehair for; a big part of the success they’ve experienced in the backfield can be attributed to Whitehair’s formidable effort in run-blocking.
What’s also so great about Whitehair is that he continues to get better with every passing season. His workflow off-season never wavers and it shows in each game. He’s always been good, but his effort in the past two years alone has made him an elite center in the league. I can confidently say that Whitehair is the top center in the league.
What makes Whitehair even more admirable is his leadership. He knows how to rally all the offensive lineman to make sure each play is strong and effective. He’s always communicating with his fellow linemen and taking charge. He knows the ins and outs of the offense and makes sure everyone’s on the same page.
So when it comes down to who’s the best center in the NFL, for me the answer is clear: Cody Whitehair. He’s an animal on the field and one of the best leaders off of it. He’s put adversity in its place and has come out on top run after run. The guy is playing like the MVP of the league and doesn’t look to be slowing down anytime soon.
Additionally, many of us know the job of an offensive lineman is largely an invisible one. Already, We’ve seen him be in the spotlight more than ever — but it’s not just because of his football skills. Whitehair has been a vocal advocate for mental health and racial justice in his hometown of Chicago and around the country. He truly knows what it takes to serve a community and he does so with pride. He’s making a lasting impact on and off the field.
Whitehair puts everything he can into the game. His incredible skill set, teamwork and leadership are second to none. He constantly works at honing his craft and growing the team he’s part of. He’s selfless enough to take the block for his quarterback, intense enough to call out opponents when they get too physical. He’s sportsmanship personified, and his strong work ethic has been paramount for the Bears season.
Whitehair really is the perfect canvas for a great center. He has an unyielding attitude to win, fierce sense of loyalty to both his teammates and to the game, and continually acts as a voice of reason. It’s hard to not notice how faithful he is to the game. He puts in the work in all areas: physically, psychologically and emotionally. It’s hard to find a guy like Whitehair, and that’s what makes him the best center in the NFL.