Offensive lineman Willie Anderson believes the prejudices created by football film The Blind Side are conspiring to keep him out of the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
Former Cincinnati Bengal Anderson has been a three-time finalist for the Hall of Fame, but hasn’t crossed the finish line.
During an appearance on TV show Up & Adams on Thursday, Anderson claimed that the Oscar-nominated movie makes it seem that left tackle is a more valuable position. Anderson played on the opposite side of the line at right tackle.
The Blind Side book by Michael Lewis and its adapted movie told the story of former NFL left tackle Michael Oher and his rags to riches journey with the help of a concerned family.
“The media had a bias because they just didn’t understand the importance of the guys we blocked over there [on the right side] were some of the best rushers of all-time,’ Anderson told Adams. “The whole Blind Side thing got taken out because of the movie and the right side guys got pushed away.”
Adams asked him directly if he felt the movie ruined his bid to be enshrined.
“Absolutely,” Anderson replied.
Anderson had three first-team All-Pro selections and four Pro Bowl nods before his enshrinement into the Bengals’ ring of honor.
He was inducted into the Alabama Sports Hall of Fame in 2021 after he played 13 years in the NFL.
“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 $100 million, Anderson said. “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.”
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