Former Bengals OT Willie Anderson's wait inexplicably continues for the Pro Football Hall of Fame
Former Cincinnati Bengals right tackle was a finalist for the Pro Football Hall of Fame for the third year in a row, and for the third year in a row, he'll have to wait another year. Anderson's name was not a part of the final seven for the class of 2024. Dwight Freeney, Devin Hester, Andre […]
Former Cincinnati Bengals right tackle was a finalist for the Pro Football Hall of Fame for the third year in a row, and for the third year in a row, he'll have to wait another year.
Anderson's name was not a part of the final seven for the class of 2024. Dwight Freeney, Devin Hester, Andre Johnson, Julius Peppers, Patrick Willis, Randy Gradishar (senior), Steve McMichael (senior) make up this year's inductees.
No offensive lineman was inducted this year which hasn't happened in six years. That makes Anderson's snub even more egregious.
Anderson, who was drafted by the Bengals in 1996 and played a dozen seasons in Cincinnati, would've became the third-ever player to be voted in with the Bengals as his main team. Anthony Munoz (1998), and Ken Riley (2023) will hold down the fort for now.
In his 12 years with the Bengals, Anderson played in 181 games, earned three First Team All-Pro honors, and was named to four Pro Bowls. From 2003-06, he was only right tackle to make the Pro Bowl. There were 13 left tackles who received the honor in that timeframe. From 2004-06, he was the only right tackle to be named First Team All-Pro.
He is the only right tackle to make four-straight Pro Bowls and three-straight All-Pro teams in the last 40+ years.
Though he's considered one of the greatest run-blocking offensive linemen to ever play the game, Anderson was just as dominant in pass protection. He notably played 15 games against nine of the top 11 all-time sack leaders, and Bruce Smith was the only one to register a sack against him.
Though he's not going in this year, momentum for Anderson will continue into 2025, his 12th year of eligibility.
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