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Anderson Finds New Home In Baltimore

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By IRA KAUFMAN | The Tampa Tribune

Published: January 14, 2009

Yes, the Ravens showed him the money, but Willie Anderson also needed to see the commitment.

After the Bengals dumped Anderson on the brink of the 2008 season, the four-time Pro Bowl tackle lined up visits to several teams, including the Bucs and the Chargers.

He knew there was more football left in a 6-foot-5, 340-pound frame that had suffered so much disappointment during 12 years with Cincinnati, marked by only one winning season (2005) and a quick playoff flameout.

"I had a real good feeling about Baltimore as soon as I went there," Anderson said moments after the Ravens advanced to Sunday's AFC Championship Game by edging the Titans 13-10. "That's the reason I canceled my trip to Tampa. Baltimore just felt like home. They sold me that this would be a good team, and coming here has turned out to be a blessing for me."

Baltimore's 33-year-old starting right tackle finds himself surrounded by youngsters as the Ravens prepare for Sunday night's hard-hitting matchup at Pittsburgh.

The Ravens, one win from the Feb. 1 Super Bowl at Raymond James Stadium, have no regrets about the three-year, $11 million contract they gave Anderson on Sept. 5, two days before the season opener against (who else?) the Bengals.

"Willie has been tremendous for us," first-year coach John Harbaugh said. "Not only is he a leader and a teacher, but he is still a very good football player. He's made a big difference."

Anderson's opportunity to start came in Baltimore's fifth game, when Adam Terry couldn't go because of a knee injury. He has subsequently become a fixture on the right side, helping power the NFL's No. 4 ground game.

"This was a franchise we always envied when I was in Cincinnati," Anderson said. "Now I'm on the inside, and I can see we have a special group of guys who play for each other. The folks inside this room understand the hard work we put in to get to this point."

Now Baltimore faces the challenge of moving the ball against the NFL's top defense.

Given Sunday's forecast of 25-degree temperatures and a chance for snow at Heinz Field, the Ravens likely will stick to their power running game. Anderson and his linemates will try to create seams in Pittsburgh's 3-4 alignment.

"To still be playing football in January with this group is something that's hard to put into words, especially at this stage of my career," Anderson said. "I guess I made the right choice back in September."

Reporter Ira Kaufman can be reached at (813) 259-7833.

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