From the 1990s to the 2000s, Cincinnati Bengals right tackle Willie Anderson ranked among the most dominant players at his position. But despite being a rock at his position for over a decade, Canton hasn’t come calling – and Anderson believes that a hit movie might be partially to blame.
Appearing on Up and Adams, Anderson blamed the 2008 hit football movie The Blind Side for his not being in the Hall of Fame yet. He explained that the movie overplayed the importance of the left tackle position to the point that the right tackle position is seen as inferior.
“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 said on the show. “The whole Blind Side thing got taken out because of the movie and the right side guys got pushed away.”
3-time HOF finalist Willie Anderson blames the movie “The Blind Side” for why he’s not in Canton yet 😭🔊
It’s been 18 YEARS since a RIGHT TACKLE has been inducted into the @ProFootballHOF 👀@BigWillie7179 @heykayadams @OLMasterminds pic.twitter.com/m1hpJkzUSP
— Up & Adams (@UpAndAdamsShow) July 18, 2024
The Blind Side tells the (heavily dramatized) story of offensive lineman Michael Oher and how he went from being in a broken home to being adopted by the football-loving Tuohy family and eventually made it to the NFL as a first-round pick by the Baltimore Ravens.
The truthfulness of the show has become heavily disputed by the real people depicted, but one of the main messages of the story was just how valuable a left tackle is to an NFL team.
Taking to X shortly after his appearance on the show, Anderson doubled down, stating that the media never disputed the message of the movie when it was first released and has only recently started giving right tackles more respect.
“Yall know this true. You all were told ‘Only the best rushers rush over the left tackle!’ that’s always been a huge misconception that no one with a pen cared to indulge in. The movie the blindside itself didn’t create the narrative but the guy writing the story played up the significance of the left tackle and the media coverage that went along with along with the movie help drive up the myth. But it started in the 80’s and reporters never got around to updating the info that rushers were coming from everywhere in the 90’s -2000’s. It’s better coverage now!” Anderson wrote.
Anderson made four Pro Bowls and had four All-Pro selections during his 13-year NFL career.
It’s more likely that his continued Hall of Fame snub stems from a lack of accolades than a lack of respect for his position.
Do you think The Blind Side had a negative impact on how we view right tackles?
Related: ‘Blind Side’ Star Claims Major Aspect Of His Story Was A Lie