Willie Anderson: 'The Blind Side' Bias Hurts Pro Football Hall of Fame Candidacy

Former NFL offensive lineman Willie Anderson believes the media's bias against right tackles, exacerbated by the popularity of "The Blind Side," has hindered his Hall of Fame induction.

Willie Anderson, a four-time Pro Bowler and three-time All-Pro selection during his 13-year NFL career, remains mystified as to why he has yet to be inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. In an interview on "Up & Adams," Anderson theorized that the media's bias against offensive tackles who play on the right side of the line may have played a role.

"I think the media had a bias because they 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 Kay Adams. "The whole ‘Blind Side’ thing got taken out because of the movie and the right side guys got pushed away."

Willie Anderson: 'The Blind Side' Bias Hurts Pro Football Hall of Fame Candidacy

Anderson specifically cited the impact of "The Blind Side," a book-turned-movie that told the story of left tackle Michael Oher. The film, starring Sandra Bullock, won an Oscar and popularized the left tackle position.

"I think ‘The Blind Side’ played a factor into my Hall of Fame candidacy," 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."

Willie Anderson: 'The Blind Side' Bias Hurts Pro Football Hall of Fame Candidacy

Anderson believes that the media's emphasis on left tackles has led to a distorted perception of the importance of right tackles.

"Right tackles are just as important as left tackles," Anderson said. "You have to be able to protect your quarterback's blind side, but you also have to be able to open up holes for your running game. I think the media has done a disservice to right tackles by not giving them the recognition they deserve."

Willie Anderson: 'The Blind Side' Bias Hurts Pro Football Hall of Fame Candidacy

Anderson's statistics support his claim. During his career, he started 175 games at right tackle for the Cincinnati Bengals and Baltimore Ravens. He allowed just 17.5 sacks in his first 10 seasons as a starter.

"I think I have a strong case for the Hall of Fame," Anderson said. "I was a dominant player for a long time. I helped my teams win a lot of games. I think I deserve to be in the Hall of Fame."

Time will tell if the Pro Football Hall of Fame voters agree with Anderson's assessment. But regardless of whether or not he eventually gets enshrined in Canton, Anderson's legacy as one of the most underrated offensive linemen of his generation is secure.

Here are some additional excerpts from Anderson's interview on "Up & Adams":

* "I think the media has always had a bias against right tackles. They don't understand the position as well as they understand left tackle. They don't realize how important it is to protect the quarterback's blind side."

* "I think the popularity of ‘The Blind Side’ has only exacerbated the media's bias against right tackles. The movie made it seem like left tackle is the only important position on the offensive line."

* "I'm not saying that left tackles aren't important. They are. But right tackles are just as important. They have to be able to protect the quarterback's blind side and open up holes for the running game."

* "I think I have a strong case for the Hall of Fame. I was a dominant player for a long time. I helped my teams win a lot of games. I think I deserve to be in the Hall of Fame."

Only time will tell if Anderson's Hall of Fame candidacy will ultimately be successful. But there is no doubt that he was one of the most dominant offensive linemen of his generation, regardless of which side of the line he played on.