Former Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Ken Anderson and offensive tackle Willie Anderson did not earn inclusion into the Pro Football Hall of Fame Thursday night after making the ballot as finalists.The Pro Football Hall of Fame’s Class of 2026 consists of linebacker Luke Kuechly, wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald, quarterback Drew Brees, kicker Adam Vinatieri and running back Roger Craig.The two Bengals’ exclusions from the Hall of Fame means just two former players who spent their whole careers with the Bengals are in the exclusive club – offensive tackle Anthony Munoz and defensive back Ken Riley.Ken Anderson, 76, played 16 seasons with the Bengals from 1971-86, spanning his whole career and 172 games started. He was a senior finalist for the 2026 Hall of Fame ballot.Anderson’s 1981 season is remembered by many Bengals fans, when he won the MVP award as he led the Bengals to Super Bowl XVI, which they lost to the San Francisco 49ers.Anderson tossed 29 touchdowns in his MVP season, led the NFL with a 98.4 passer rating and won AP Offensive Player of the Year.He followed up his MVP season with another Pro Bowl season the next year but played in only nine games as he finished with 12 passing touchdowns.For his career, Ken Anderson was a four-time Pro Bowl recipient, a one-time All-Pro and the winner of the 1975 NFL Walter Payton Man of the Year award.Former Bengals offensive tackle Willie Anderson was also on the Pro Football Hall of Fame ballot as a finalist for the fifth straight year and was not selected.Drafted 10th overall by the Bengals in the 1996 draft out of Auburn, Willie spent 12 of his 13 seasons with the Bengals, playing in 181 games and making 173 starts.After earning his first All-Pro honor in 2003, being named to the second team, Anderson was named first-team All-Pro three straight years, from 2004-2006. He was also voted to the Pro Bowl in each of those four seasons.

CINCINNATI —

Former Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Ken Anderson and offensive tackle Willie Anderson did not earn inclusion into the Pro Football Hall of Fame Thursday night after making the ballot as finalists.

The Pro Football Hall of Fame’s Class of 2026 consists of linebacker Luke Kuechly, wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald, quarterback Drew Brees, kicker Adam Vinatieri and running back Roger Craig.

The two Bengals’ exclusions from the Hall of Fame means just two former players who spent their whole careers with the Bengals are in the exclusive club – offensive tackle Anthony Munoz and defensive back Ken Riley.

This content is imported from Twitter.
You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site.

Ken Anderson says he is already looking forward to giving another go at the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2027.

No ill will toward the voting process or being left out yet again. pic.twitter.com/m2pUQYPmCL

— Charlie Clifford (@char_cliff) February 6, 2026

Ken Anderson, 76, played 16 seasons with the Bengals from 1971-86, spanning his whole career and 172 games started. He was a senior finalist for the 2026 Hall of Fame ballot.

Anderson’s 1981 season is remembered by many Bengals fans, when he won the MVP award as he led the Bengals to Super Bowl XVI, which they lost to the San Francisco 49ers.

Anderson tossed 29 touchdowns in his MVP season, led the NFL with a 98.4 passer rating and won AP Offensive Player of the Year.

He followed up his MVP season with another Pro Bowl season the next year but played in only nine games as he finished with 12 passing touchdowns.

For his career, Ken Anderson was a four-time Pro Bowl recipient, a one-time All-Pro and the winner of the 1975 NFL Walter Payton Man of the Year award.

Former Bengals offensive tackle Willie Anderson was also on the Pro Football Hall of Fame ballot as a finalist for the fifth straight year and was not selected.

Drafted 10th overall by the Bengals in the 1996 draft out of Auburn, Willie spent 12 of his 13 seasons with the Bengals, playing in 181 games and making 173 starts.

After earning his first All-Pro honor in 2003, being named to the second team, Anderson was named first-team All-Pro three straight years, from 2004-2006. He was also voted to the Pro Bowl in each of those four seasons.