Willie Anderson

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Lore & Background

Anderson's dominance at right tackle was historic. He became the first right tackle named a first-team All-Pro in three straight seasons since Dan Dierdorf, Ron Yary, and Rayfield Wright achieved the feat in the 1970s. Additionally, he was the first right tackle selected to the Pro Bowl for four consecutive seasons since Jackie Slater; no right tackle has accomplished these feats since Anderson. His protection skills were elite: the 11 quarterback pressures he allowed in 2006 ranked as the fourth-fewest by an offensive tackle between 2006 and 2019. Off the field, his legacy continued when he was named one of the Bengals' top 50 players for their 50th season in 2017. In 2021, he was inducted into the Alabama Sports Hall of Fame, followed by his Ring of Honor induction in 2022.

In Their Own Story

Anderson's journey began at Auburn University, where he attended from 1993 to 1995 and majored in marketing education. He started as a freshman guard during the Tigers' undefeated 1993 season before switching to offensive tackle his sophomore year. After earning second-team All-American honors following his junior year, he entered the 1996 NFL draft. The Bengals selected him 10th overall. In his rookie season, reports noted he could bench press 675 pounds. His career with Cincinnati included a five-year, $30 million extension after the 1999 season and another five-year, $32 million deal with $20 million guaranteed prior to the 2006 season. He represented the AFC in the Pro Bowl in 2003, 2004, 2005, and 2006. After refusing a pay cut, he was released on August 30, 2008. He signed a three-year, $11 million deal with the Baltimore Ravens days later, starting 10 games to help them reach the AFC Championship Game in John Harbaugh's first season before retiring in 2009.

Reader's Guide

Willie Anderson's professional tenure started when he was drafted by the Bengals in 1996. He quickly established himself as a road-grading run blocker, facilitating Corey Dillon breaking Jim Brown's rookie single-game rushing record and Walter Payton's single-game rushing record of 275 yards. He also helped Rudi Johnson break the Bengals' single-season rushing record, which still stands today. Anderson started 116 consecutive games from 1999 to 2007. His accolades include four Pro Bowl selections (2003–2006) and three first-team All-Pro nods. In 2025, he appeared on the final seven for Hall of Fame voting but was not elected. Today, Anderson hosts the "Everything Big Willie Show" on YouTube, sharing NFL stories with guests like Lane Johnson and T.J. Houshmandzadeh. He also trains linemen at the Willie Anderson Lineman Academy.

Did You Know?

• Anderson allowed only 11 quarterback pressures in 2006, the fourth-fewest by an offensive tackle between 2006 and 2019.
• He was the first right tackle since Jackie Slater to be named to the Pro Bowl for four straight seasons.
• In his rookie season, Anderson was reported to bench press 675 pounds.
• Anderson started 116 consecutive games from 1999 to 2007.
• He helped Corey Dillon break both Jim Brown's and Walter Payton's single-game rushing records.