You don't have to be an offensive line guy to know who Willie Anderson is.
The 10th overall pick in the 1996 NFL Draft out of Auburn following back-to-back All-SEC seasons, Anderson spent 12 seasons as a Cincinnati Bengal before playing the final season of his career with the Ravens in 2008.
As decorated as they come, Anderson was a three-time first-team selection to the All Pro team (2004-06), was a second team All-Pro in 2003, and was selected to the Pro Bowl four times.
After starting 184 games, and playing in nearly 200, Anderson was inducted into the Bengals Ring of Honor in 2022 alongside franchise icons the likes of Paul Brown, Anthony Munoz, and Ken Anderson.
A 2021 selection into the Alabama Sports Hall of Fame, Anderson's journey into the Pro Football Hall of Fame has been delayed.
A finalist on the ballot three times, Anderson still hasn't gotten that iconic knock on the door to deliver the news that he's heading to Canton.
During an interview today with Up & Adams, Anderson talked about a media bias that has emerged since the release of the movie, "The Blindside."
"I think the media had a bias. They just didn't understand, the guys we blocked over there were some of the best rushers of all-time. The whole 'Blind Side' thing...the right side guys got pushed away."
Anderson, who now mentors offensive lineman form high school to the NFL at his Lineman Academy based in Atlanta, believes the movie reinforced a growing narrative that tackles on the left side are more valuable than right tackles.
It's not just a belief, it's something he's witnessed firsthand.
"You got guys who are 18, 19 years old that will tell you, 'I only want to play left tackle.' And I say, 'Go look at what Penei Sewell's contract was for the Lions this year. Over a $100 million. The kids, their parents and the media pushing left tackle is a huge deal. But they don't realize guards are getting paid crazy money right now."
"It's definitely changed for the better, I think, because these rushers are coming from everywhere now. Right side, left guard, over the center, everywhere."
While it may sound a bit far-fetched, consider the following:
- The Blindside, starring Sandra Bullock, Tim McGraw, and Quinton Aaron, was released in 2009.
- The last right tackle to go into the Hall of Fame was 2006
- There has been a drought stretching back 18 seasons on right tackles making it into the Hall of Fame.
That drought for the position likely ends soon, and while I'm among those hoping to see Anderson get in, he will have to battle with longtime 49ers right tackle Joe Staley to end the streak come 2025.
Next year, Staley joins a strong group of candidates alongside guys like Luke Kuechly, Eli Manning, Darren Sproles, Eric Weddle, and Vernon Davis.
The 2024 ballot includes Anderson and just one other offensive lineman, former Saints and Packers lineman Jahri Evans.
Here's to hoping Anderson ends the streak, Staley gets in as a first-ballot HOFer next year, and every other player who secures the quarterbacks right side sees not further Blindside bias for their bronze busts in Canton.
Stay tuned to The Scoop for the latest.