Former Cincinnati Bengals great Willie Anderson was one of 10 finalists to not make the Hall of Fame this year.
Anderson, a finalist for the Pro Football Hall of Fame for the first time in his ninth year of eligibility, was a top-10 pick by the Bengals in 1996.
One of the best right tackles of his generation, Anderson had a serious shot at enshrinement with heavyweight names like Steve Hutchinson and Alan Faneca finally making it into the Hall.
Instead, the class is as follows:
- LeRoy Butler
- Bryant Young
- Sam Mills
- Cliff Branch
- Richard Seymour
- Art McNally
- Tony Boselli
- Dick Vermeil
This was a huge ordeal for the Bengals franchise even as Joe Burrow and Co. advanced to Super Bowl LVI. The franchise has the fewest players of any in the Hall of Fame.
To his credit, Anderson has known and was nothing but cheerful after the fact:
We learned of decision 3 weeks ago for @ProFootballHOF . Thank you for prayers and well wishes ! #WhoDey @Bengals
— Willie Anderson (@BigWillie7179) February 11, 2022
Congratulations to all the men selected tonight for @ProFootballHOF
— Willie Anderson (@BigWillie7179) February 11, 2022
Now that Anderson’s been in the room as a finalist, it feels like it could be the jumpstart needed to get him in soon.
