Former Bengals great Willie Anderson named as finalist for 2025 NFL Hall of Fame class
Updated: 11:56 AM EST Dec 28, 2024
Former Cincinnati Bengals offensive tackle Willie Anderson was named as a finalist for the 2025 Pro Football Hall of Fame class on Saturday.Drafted 10th overall by the Bengals in the 1996 draft out of Auburn, Anderson spent 12 of his 13 seasons with the Bengals, playing in 181 games and making 173 starts.He played between 1996 and 2007.After earning his first All-Pro honor in 2003, being named to the second team, Anderson was named first-team All-Pro three straight years, from 2004-2006. He was also voted to the Pro Bowl in each of those four seasons.Anderson was inducted into the Bengals’ Ring of Honor in 2021, alongside Isaac Curtis.Now, Anderson has a chance once again to receive even more recognition. However, Anderson has been here before — this will be Anderson’s fourth time being named as a finalist to the Hall of Fame ballot, having been voted on by the Selection Committee every year since 2022.Luke Kuechly, a St. Xavier High School alum and former Carolina Panthers linebacker, was also named as a ballot finalist for the very first time this year.The 2025 picks will be voted on by the Hall of Fame’s Selection Committee and unveiled publicly on Feb. 6, 2025.The full list of finalists can be found below.Eric Allen, Cornerback — 1988-1994 Philadelphia Eagles, 1995-97 New Orleans Saints, 1998-2001 Oakland RaidersJared Allen, Defensive End — 2004-07 Kansas City Chiefs, 2008-2013 Minnesota Vikings, 2014-15 Chicago Bears, 2015 Carolina PanthersWillie Anderson, Tackle — 1996-2007 Cincinnati Bengals, 2008 Baltimore RavensJahri Evans, Guard — 2006-2016 New Orleans Saints, 2017 Green Bay PackersAntonio Gates, Tight End — 2003-2018 San Diego/Los Angeles ChargersTorry Holt, Wide Receiver — 1999-2008 St. Louis Rams, 2009 Jacksonville Jaguars Luke Kuechly, Linebacker — 2012-19 Carolina PanthersEli Manning, Quarterback — 2004-2019 New York GiantsSteve Smith Sr., Wide Receiver — 2001-2013 Carolina Panthers, 2014-16 Baltimore RavensTerrell Suggs, Outside Linebacker/Defensive End — 2003-2018 Baltimore Ravens, 2019 Arizona Cardinals, 2019 Kansas City ChiefsFred Taylor, Running Back — 1998-2008 Jacksonville Jaguars, 2009-2010 New England PatriotsAdam Vinatieri, Kicker — 1996-2005 New England Patriots, 2006-2019 Indianapolis ColtsReggie Wayne, Wide Receiver — 2001-2014 Indianapolis ColtsDarren Woodson, Safety — 1992-2003 Dallas CowboysMarshal Yanda, Guard/Tackle — 2007-2019 Baltimore Ravens
Former Cincinnati Bengals offensive tackle Willie Anderson was named as a finalist for the 2025 Pro Football Hall of Fame class on Saturday.
Drafted 10th overall by the Bengals in the 1996 draft out of Auburn, Anderson spent 12 of his 13 seasons with the Bengals, playing in 181 games and making 173 starts.
He played between 1996 and 2007.
After earning his first All-Pro honor in 2003, being named to the second team, Anderson was named first-team All-Pro three straight years, from 2004-2006. He was also voted to the Pro Bowl in each of those four seasons.
Anderson was inducted into the Bengals’ Ring of Honor in 2021, alongside Isaac Curtis.
Now, Anderson has a chance once again to receive even more recognition. However, Anderson has been here before — this will be Anderson’s fourth time being named as a finalist to the Hall of Fame ballot, having been voted on by the Selection Committee every year since 2022.
Luke Kuechly, a St. Xavier High School alum and former Carolina Panthers linebacker, was also named as a ballot finalist for the very first time this year.
The 2025 picks will be voted on by the Hall of Fame’s Selection Committee and unveiled publicly on Feb. 6, 2025.
The full list of finalists can be found below.
- 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
- Willie Anderson, Tackle — 1996-2007 Cincinnati Bengals, 2008 Baltimore Ravens
- 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
The NFL Hall of Fame could soon be welcoming another Cincinnati Bengals legend into its prestigious ranks. Former Bengals offensive tackle Willie Anderson has been named as a finalist for the 2025 Hall of Fame class, putting him one step closer to football immortality.
Anderson, who played for the Bengals from 1996 to 2007, was a dominant force on the offensive line during his career. He was a four-time Pro Bowl selection and a three-time First Team All-Pro, establishing himself as one of the top offensive tackles in the league.
Throughout his time with the Bengals, Anderson became known for his exceptional blocking abilities and his leadership on and off the field. He was a key contributor to the team’s success during his tenure, helping to protect quarterbacks and pave the way for running backs.
If Anderson is ultimately selected for the 2025 Hall of Fame class, he will join a select group of players who have left an indelible mark on the game of football. His accomplishments and contributions to the Bengals and the NFL as a whole make him a deserving candidate for enshrinement in Canton.
Bengals fans and football enthusiasts alike will be eagerly awaiting the announcement of the 2025 Hall of Fame class, hoping to see Willie Anderson’s name among the inductees. Stay tuned for updates on this exciting development in the world of football history.
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- NFL Hall of Fame
- Willie Anderson
- Cincinnati Bengals
- 2025 Hall of Fame class
- NFL legend
- Pro Football Hall of Fame
- Willie Anderson career
- Bengals great
- Hall of Fame finalist
- NFL honors
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