Multi-decorated offensive lineman Willie Anderson has a theory about why he’s not in the Pro Football Hall of Fame, which revolves around a popular football movie.
Anderson appeared on “Up & Adams” on Thursday and argued that the 2009 Oscar-nominated film “The Blind Side” helped popularize the notion that left tackle is a more valuable position on the offensive line than his right wing.
Michael Lewis’ book and subsequent film, The Blind Side, tells the story of former NFL left tackle Michael Oher growing up in the Tuohy family.
“The media was biased because they didn’t understand the importance of the guys we blocked there.” [on the right side] “They were some of the greatest rushers of all time,” Anderson told Adams in an interview, “and the movie took away the whole ‘Blind Place’ thing and pushed the guys off to the right.”
Adams seemed a bit surprised by the statement and asked him directly if he thought the film had influenced his Hall of Fame bid in Canton, Ohio.
“Of course,” he replied.
Prior to being inducted into the Bengals Hall of Fame, Anderson was selected to the All-Pro First Team three times and was nominated for the Pro Bowl four times, making his resume worthy of induction into the Football Hall of Fame.
The Alabama native and right tackle, who played college basketball at Auburn University, played 13 years in the NFL (12 of them with the Bengals) and was inducted into the Alabama Sports Hall of Fame in 2021 after being selected 10th overall in the 1996 NFL Draft.
Anderson cited his experience coaching young football players at his eponymous Lineman Academy and said those aspiring to become professional players primarily want to play on the left wing.
“I have 18-, 19-year-old guys that say, ‘All I want to do is play left tackle,’ and I say, ‘Look what Penei Sewell’s contract was with the Lions this year. Over $100 million,'” Anderson said. “It’s a big thing when kids, their parents and the media push for left tackle, but they don’t realize that guards are getting paid a ridiculous amount of money right now.”
“I think it’s definitely changed for the better because now we have rushers coming from everywhere — from the right side, left guard, over center, anywhere.”
Anderson has yet to be inducted into the Hall of Fame, but has been a finalist for the award three times.
