Bill Anderson
"Bill Anderson"
Explore the career of Bill Anderson, a dependable end and tight end who contributed to championship-winning teams in the NFL.
Walter "Bill" Anderson was born on July 13, 1936, in Hendersonville, North Carolina. He played his college football at the University of Tennessee, where he was a co-captain of the 1957 team and a key player on the SEC Championship-winning squad in 1956. Anderson was recognized as one of the Volunteers' top wingbacks, showcasing his abilities as a receiver and runner. His talent earned him a spot in the 1958 Senior Bowl.
**Road to the Pro Game
Anderson's successful college career led to him being drafted in the third round (31st overall) of the 1958 NFL Draft by the Washington Redskins.
**Football Legacy
Bill Anderson carved out a solid career in the NFL, primarily as an end and later a tight end. He played for the Washington Redskins for six seasons, from 1958 to 1963. During his time in Washington, he was recognized by the team as Rookie of the Year in 1958 and Player of the Year in 1959. Anderson was a reliable target, amassing 178 receptions for 3,048 yards and 14 touchdowns for the Redskins. He earned two Pro Bowl selections in 1959 and 1960, highlighting his consistent performance. After briefly retiring to become an assistant coach at the University of Tennessee in 1964, Anderson was convinced to return to the NFL by the legendary Green Bay Packers coach Vince Lombardi. He played for the Packers in 1965 and 1966, contributing to their consecutive NFL Championship victories. This also earned him a Super Bowl ring when the Packers won Super Bowl I against the Kansas City Chiefs. Following his playing career, Anderson became a respected color analyst for the University of Tennessee football games for over three decades.
**Accolades, Awards, and Career Stats:
✦ 2x Pro Bowl selection (1959, 1960)
✦ 2x NFL Champion (1965, 1966)
✦ Super Bowl Champion (I)
✦ Washington Redskins Rookie of the Year (1958)
✦ Washington Redskins Player of the Year (1959)
✦ College: SEC Champion (1956)
✦ NFL Career Stats: 98 games played, 178 receptions, 3,048 receiving yards, 17.1 yards per reception, 15 receiving touchdowns.
- HASHTAGS: #BillAnderson #July13 #AndersonBill #RunningBack #TennesseeVolunteers #WashingtonRedskins #Number88 #Number42
- BASEBALL NAME: Bill Anderson
- DOB: July 13
- EVENTDAY: July 13
- FOOTBALL NAME: Anderson Bill
- FOOTBALL POSITION: Running Back
- FOOTBALL TEAM: Tennessee Volunteers, Washington Redskins
- NCAAF JERSEY: Number 88
- NFL JERSEY: Number 42, Number 88