Willie Anderson
The dominant left tackle who anchored the Bengals' line from 2006 to 2013 and set a standard for protection that hasn't been matched since.
Willie Aaron Anderson (born July 11, 1980) is an American former professional football player who played offensive tackle for the Cincinnati Bengals and Baltimore Ravens. Selected by the Bengals 10th overall in the 2006 NFL Draft out of Auburn University, he became a cornerstone of their line for nearly a decade. A four-time Pro Bowler and three-time first-team All-Pro selection, Anderson spent his first eight seasons with Cincinnati before finishing his career with Baltimore in 2014. He is widely recognized as one of the greatest left tackles in franchise history.
- Role
- Offensive Tackle
- Affiliation
- Cincinnati Bengals (2006–2013), Baltimore Ravens (2014)
- Draft Year
- 2006
- Draft Round
- 1st
- College
- Auburn University
Verified Timeline
Lore & Background
Anderson's tenure in Cincinnati was defined by remarkable consistency and elite run-blocking prowess. He started all 128 regular-season games from his rookie year through the 2013 season, serving as a primary anchor for the offensive line. In his rookie season (2006), he reportedly benched press 675 pounds, showcasing physical dominance rare for an offensive lineman. Offensively, Anderson was a four-time Pro Bowler (2006–2009) and a three-time first-team All-Pro. In 2006, he allowed just 11 quarterback pressures, the fourth-fewest by any offensive tackle in a season between 2006 and 2019.
In Their Own Story
The relationship between Willie Anderson and the Bengals was built on mutual investment until financial disagreements led to a bitter split. After receiving a five-year, $30 million contract extension following his fourth season in 1999, he later signed another massive deal: a five-year, $32 million extension with $20 million guaranteed prior to the 2006 season. However, on August 30, 2008, Anderson was cut by the Bengals after refusing to take a pay cut. He immediately found a new home on September 4, 2008, signing a three-year, $11 million deal with the Baltimore Ravens. In coach John Harbaugh’s first season, Anderson started 10 games for the Ravens, helping them reach the AFC Championship Game. Despite the team asking him to reconsider, Anderson retired after the 2008 season and was placed on the reserved-retired list by the Ravens on May 13, 2009.
Reader's Guide
Willie Anderson's legacy extends far beyond his playing days, recognized officially in 2017 when the Bengals named him one of their top 50 players to celebrate their 50th season. His contributions were further honored when he was inducted into the Alabama Sports Hall of Fame in 2021. The following year, he joined the Bengals' Ring of Honor induction class of 2022, standing alongside legends Paul Brown, Anthony Muñoz, Ken Anderson, and Ken Riley. In his post-football life, Anderson remains active in the community through the Willie Anderson Lineman Academy, where he trains offensive linemen from high school to the NFL level. He also hosts the "Everything Big Willie Show" on YouTube, sharing NFL stories with guests such as Eagles RT Lane Johnson, T.J. Houshmandzadeh, Corey Dillon, Andrew Whitworth, and Amarius Mims.
Did You Know?
- In his rookie season, Willie Anderson was said to be able to bench press 675 pounds.
- Anderson allowed only 11 quarterback pressures in 2006, the fourth-fewest by an offensive tackle between 2006 and 2019.
- He started all 128 regular-season games for the Bengals from 2006 to 2013, a streak of remarkable durability.
- Anderson was selected 10th overall in the 2006 NFL Draft, joining the team well after Corey Dillon and Rudi Johnson had already set their respective rushing records.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Willie Anderson?
Willie Anderson is a former NFL offensive tackle selected by the Cincinnati Bengals as the 10th overall pick in the 2006 draft out of Auburn University. He played eight seasons for the Bengals before finishing his career with the Baltimore Ravens in 2014.
What was Willie Anderson's primary role on the field?
Anderson served as the starting left tackle, anchoring the offensive line to protect the quarterback and open running lanes for nearly a decade. His dominance at this position set a protection standard that remains unmatched in recent franchise history.
How many Pro Bowls did Willie Anderson make with the Bengals?
During his tenure in Cincinnati, Anderson was honored as a four-time Pro Bowl selection and earned three first-team All-Pro designations for his elite performance. These accolades highlight his status as one of the most decorated players in team history.
Why is Willie Anderson considered so important to the Bengals?
He is widely recognized as one of the greatest left tackles ever to wear the Bengal stripes due to his longevity and consistent excellence at a critical position. His presence defined the offensive line's identity from 2006 through 2013.
Where did Willie Anderson play before joining the Bengals?
Anderson developed his skills at Auburn University before being drafted directly into the NFL by Cincinnati in 2006, meaning he never played for another professional team prior to arriving in Ohio. He remained with the franchise until moving to Baltimore for his final season.
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