Cincinnati Bengals legendary right tackle Willie Anderson was named a finalist for the Pro Football Hall of Fame’s class of 2023.
Anderson is one of 15 finalists this year and the Hall of Fame selection committee will meet in February to decide the final seven individuals who will be inducted. The class will be announced on Feb. 9 at the “NFL Honors” program before Super Bowl 57.
Over several months, the Hall of Fame voters are tasked with cutting down the list of nominees to 15 modern-era and two senior candidates. Anderson joins fellow Bengal Ken Riley on the ballot as Riley is one of the senior candidates this year.
The former No. 10 overall pick in the 1996 NFL Draft out of Auburn University, Anderson was also inducted into the Bengals' Ring of Honor this year during halftime of Cincinnati's Week 4 game against the Miami Dolphins.
"Willie was as good a right offensive tackle as you could draw up," Bengals owner Mike Brown said. "He had it all — strength, movement and attitude."
Anthony Muñoz is the only Bengal immortalized in Canton, Ohio where the Pro Football Hall of Fame is located.
To be considered a senior candidate, a former player must be 25 years removed from the game.
For three consecutive years, Anderson was a semifinalist. Anderson played for the Bengals from 1996-2007 and is regarded as the best right offensive tackle of his era. As a four-time Pro Bowler, he played in 181 Bengals games, tied for eighth on the team’s all-time list.
15 finalists for 2023 Pro Football Hall of Fame
Darrelle Revis
Joe Thomas
Devin Hester
Torry Holt
Reggie Wayne
Andre Johnson
Dwight Freeney
Jared Allen
Patrick Willis
DeMarcus Ware
Zach Thomas
Darren Woodson
Rondee Barber
Albert Lewis
Willie Anderson
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