CINCINNATI — Antacid brand Prilosec OTC has named the offensive line of the New Orleans Saints football team, which will play the Indianapolis Colts in this Sunday’s Super Bowl, as the winner of its Madden Most Valuable Protectors Award.

Pro Football Hall of Fame coach and commentator John Madden and Prilosec OTC presented the award trophy to the Saints players at a ceremony Wednesday in South Florida. Super Bowl XLIV is being played in Miami.

The New Orleans offensive line was the first to be honored with the award, which five-year NFL sponsor Prilosec OTC unveiled in November.

The Madden Most Valuable Protectors Award recognizes the accomplishments of a high-performing group of offensive linemen and their unique ability to provide protection for their teammates.

"There were a lot of choices during the regular season for which group of guys would take home this first ever honor, but the Saints offensive line has been a model of consistency all season and are truly a deserving winner," commented Madden. "I am very passionate about this award that Prilosec OTC helped to create and hope this encourages football fans to pay attention to the less-watched parts of the game like run blocking and pass protection."

Saints players honored with the award include Jon Stinchcomb, Jermon Bushrod, Jahri Evans, Carl Nicks, Jonathan Goodwin, Zach Strief, Nick Leckey and Jamar Nesbit.

A Procter & Gamble brand, Prilosec OTC is the first of a class of over-the-counter acid reducer medicines that treats frequent heartburn with just one pill a day, unlike most other O-T-C heartburn medications, according to the company.