Willie Anderson, a member of the Bengals Ring of Honor, has advanced to the Pro Football Hall of Fame Modern Era balloting finals for the 2024 class for the third consecutive year.
During his twelve seasons in Cincinnati, Anderson became the first right tackle to be named to three consecutive All-Pro first teams in thirty years. He is one of fifteen names that were unveiled on Wednesday night.
First-time eligibles Antonio Gates, an undrafted tight end from Kent State by the Chargers who went to eight consecutive Pro Bowls, and Julius Peppers, a deadly pass rusher for the Panthers who is the only NFL player with at least 100 sacks and more than 10 interceptions, are among others on the list.
Guard Jahri Evans, a four-time All-Pro and first-time finalist, is the only other offensive lineman on the list. Evans is most recognized
Only wide receivers Torry Holt and Reggie Wayne (five) and defensive end Jared Allen (four) have been to more finals than Anderson. Anderson, who retired after starting in the 2008 AFC Championship Game following his one season with the Ravens, is in his 11th year of Hall eligibility. Of the 15 finalists, only cornerback Eric Allen (18) and safety Darren Woodson (16) have been eligible longer. Safety Rodney Harrison is also 11 years eligible.
Peppers, fourth on the all-time career sack list, is one of the top seven career sackers Anderson blanked. He also didn’t give up a sack to Jared Allen, 12th on the career sack list.
In the Pro Football Focus total grades, Anderson rates ahead of recent Hall of Fame linemen Orlando Pace, Steve Hutchinson, Alan Faneca, Will Shields, and Kevin Mawae. Anderson also compares favorably to the two most recent Hall tackles, Tony Boselli in 2022 and Joe Thomas last year.
“His blue (best) years, his position ranks, his longevity, he’s a Hall-of-Famer. The answer is Willie Anderson is a Hall-of-Famer. His numbers match up to everybody else who is in,” says Mike Giddings, head of the long-time NFL scouting service Pioneering Pro Scout, Inc. “Boselli’s first five years are a dominant blue. Joe Thomas was a consistent player, but not as blue as Willie.”
The 50-member selection committee, where Bengals.com holds the Cincinnati vote, meets next month to select the 2024 class, which usually consists of five Modern Era candidates, three Senior candidates, and a Contributor. The class is announced the week of the Super Bowl at NFL Honors. Induction is at the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio during early August.
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