Willie Anderson, from Auburn, was selected 10th overall in the 1996 NFL Draft. Coming from Auburn, Anderson entered the NFL as a powerful presence, quickly securing a starting position at right tackle. Over the next decade or more, he served as the key pillar of the Bengals' offensive line.

At 6 feet 5 inches and over 340 pounds, Anderson possessed a rare blend of colossal raw power, long reach, and quick-setting footwork. In an era where pass rushers like Julius Peppers, Michael Strahan, and Reggie White often lined up over the right tackle, Anderson neutralized the league's elite edge rushers single-handedly. He brought a brutal, road-grading demeanor to the run game, creating massive lanes for backfield stars like Corey Dillon and Rudi Johnson.

Throughout the late 1990s and early 2000s, Anderson stood as a steady anchor on struggling Cincinnati rosters, routinely shutting down premier edge defenders every Sunday. He was the key blocker up front in 2000 when Corey Dillon famously set the then-NFL single-game rushing record with 278 yards against the Denver Broncos.

Under head coach Marvin Lewis, the franchise improved, and Anderson finally received the national recognition he had deserved for years. In 2003, he began a remarkable four-year period of dominance, earning his first Pro Bowl selection and Second-Team All-Pro honors. During this time, he also helped Rudi Johnson achieve a breakout season.

In 2004, he achieved his first First-Team All-Pro honor and participated in his second Pro Bowl, protecting Carson Palmer’s right side. The high standards continued in 2005, with another First-Team All-Pro recognition and a Pro Bowl selection, contributing to an 11–5 AFC North champion team with one of the NFL's most potent offenses. He wrapped up his four-year streak of elite accolades in 2006 with his third consecutive First-Team All-Pro and fourth straight Pro Bowl appearance, solidifying his reputation as the premier right tackle.

After leaving Cincinnati before the 2008 season, Anderson played his last NFL year with the Baltimore Ravens, a division rival. He started 11 games at right tackle, contributing to Baltimore's run to the AFC Championship Game before retiring. In 2021, the Bengals officially honored him by inducting Anderson into their Ring of Honor. He is considered one of the greatest offensive linemen in franchise history, second only to Hall of Famer Anthony Muñoz.