Willie Anderson named Modern-Era Finalist for Hall of Fame

The legendary right tackle’s time might finally be here.

The Pro Football Hall of Fame announced its 15 finalists for Modern-Era Players, and former Cincinnati Bengals right tackle was included among them.

He played for the Bengals from 1996-2007 and for the Baltimore Ravens in 2008.

Here’s what Geoff Hobson wrote about Anderson after the announcement:

Anderson, 48, considered one of the most dominant players of the turn-of the-century NFL, is the only right tackle in the last five decades to make three straight All-Pro teams when he did it from 2004-2006.

He was born in Mobile, Alabama and played for Auburn. And the Alabama Sports Hall of Fame posted this fun fact about Anderson’s NFL career:

Anderson only surrendered 16 sacks in his 13-year career and did not give up a sack between 1999 and 2001.

Simply amazing. Undoubtedly the greatest right tackle ever.

Other Modern-Era candidates for the Hall of Fame are:

• Eric Allen, Cornerback — 1988-1994 Philadelphia Eagles, 1995-97 New Orleans Saints, 1998-2001 Oakland Raiders
• Jared Allen, Defensive End — 2004-07 Kansas City Chiefs, 2008-2013 Minnesota Vikings, 2014-15 Chicago Bears, 2015 Carolina Panthers
• Jahri Evans, Guard — 2006-2016 New Orleans Saints, 2017 Green Bay Packers
• Antonio Gates, Tight End — 2003-2018 San Diego/Los Angeles Chargers
• Torry Holt, Wide Receiver — 1999-2008 St. Louis Rams, 2009 Jacksonville Jaguars
• Luke Kuechly, Linebacker — 2012-19 Carolina Panthers
• Eli Manning, Quarterback — 2004-2019 New York Giants
• Steve Smith Sr., Wide Receiver — 2001-2013 Carolina Panthers, 2014-16 Baltimore Ravens
• Terrell Suggs, Outside Linebacker/Defensive End — 2003-2018 Baltimore Ravens, 2019 Arizona Cardinals, 2019 Kansas City Chiefs
• Fred Taylor, Running Back — 1998-2008 Jacksonville Jaguars, 2009-2010 New England Patriots
• Adam Vinatieri, Kicker — 1996-2005 New England Patriots, 2006-2019 Indianapolis Colts
• Reggie Wayne, Wide Receiver — 2001-2014 Indianapolis Colts
• Darren Woodson, Safety — 1992-2003 Dallas Cowboys
• Marshal Yanda, Guard/Tackle — 2007-2019 Baltimore Ravens

According to the Pro Football Hall of Fame’s official site, these players will be considered when the selection committee meets ahead of the Super Bowl. And the Class of 2025 will be announced on February 6. Here’s to hoping Anderson finally gets in.

Bengals fans get yet another reason to celebrate following a tremendous overtime win over the Denver Broncos.

We recapped that game in our most recent podcast, which you can listen to on iTunes or using the player below.