Auburn football could soon have its third representative in Canton.
Auburn legend willie anderson was one of 15 “Modern-Era” players to be nominated for entry into the Pro Football Hall of Fame on Saturday. For Anderson, it is his fourth time as a finalist.
The Pro Football Hall of Fame shared a brief look into Anderson’s career, and why he remains a finalist for the 2025 class.
Made an immediate impact as a rookie for the Bengals – named to PFWA’s All-Rookie Team in 1996 … Possessed not only the size a tackle needed to excel, but also the speed, strength and humility, allowing him to dominate at his position … Known as a strong run blocker and resilient pass blocker during the entirety of his 13-year tenure in the NFL … Considered an elite right tackle during his career and successfully held back such NFL sack leaders as Hall of Famers John Randle, Bruce Smith, Michael Strahan and Reggie White … Blocked for nine 1,000-yard rushers, as well as Corey Dillon’s two NFL record-breaking games: 246 yards for the rookie record and 278 yards for the all-time record that both stood for nearly three years … Started in 184 of his 195 career games … First-team All-Pro honors from 2004-06; second-team All-Pro in 2003 … Received All-AFC recognition in 2005 and 2006 … Voted to four consecutive Pro Bowls – the 2004, 2005, 2006 and 2007 games … Received the Ed Block Courage Award in 2004.
After playing three seasons at Auburn from 1993-95, Anderson went on to play 13 NFL seasons, mostly for the Cincinnati Bengals. Over his career, he started 184 of 195 games, primarily at right tackle. He started every game he participated in a 10-year stretch from 1997-2006 for the Cincinnati Bengals. He played in 14 games during his lone season with the Baltimore Ravens, making 11 starts.
Anderson will learn if he will join fellow Auburn legends Frank “Gunner” Gatski and Kevin Greene in the Pro Football Hall of Fame on Feb. 6 during the NFL Honors in New Orleans, Louisiana.
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