Willie Anderson, Cornelius Bennett advance in Hall of Fame selection process

Willie Anderson and Cornelius Bennett are among the 25 modern-era semifinalists for the Pro Football Hall of Fame’s Class of 2021.

On Tuesday, the Pro Football Hall of Fame released the list of semifinalists selected from the 130 modern-era nominees for the Pro Football Hall of Fame’s Class of 2021. A player is considered modern era if he has been retired for at least five seasons and was active within the past 25 seasons.

Anderson went from Vigor High School in Prichard to Auburn to the NFL as the 10th pick in the 1996 draft.

Bennett went from Ensley High School in Birmingham to Alabama to the NFL as the second pick in the 1986 draft.

Although both Anderson and Bennett have been nominated for the Pro Football Hall of Fame multiple times, this is the first time either has reached semifinalist status.

Five other nominees with Alabama football roots did not progress to semifinalist status — running back Shaun Alexander (Alabama), offensive tackle Chris Samuels (Shaw, Alabama), linebacker Takeo Spikes (Auburn), defensive end Justin Tuck (Central Coosa) and wide receiver Roddy White (UAB).

Anderson was a fixture at right offensive tackle for Cincinnati, starting every Bengals game except for two from 1997 through 2006. From 2003 through 2006, he was on the AFC Pro Bowl team annually, and he made first-team All-Pro in 2004, 2005 and 2006.

Bennett played in four straight Super Bowls with the Buffalo Bills and was a Pro Bowl selection in each of those seasons – 1990 through 1993. He also was an All-Pro in 1988, played in 206 games and appeared in another Super Bowl with the Atlanta Falcons.

Fifteen men who played at Alabama high schools and colleges are members of the Pro Football Hall of Fame. The state’s Hall of Famers are Robert Brazile (Vigor), Buck Buchanan (Parker High School in Birmingham), Frank Gatski (Auburn), Kevin Greene (Auburn), John Hannah (Albertville High School, Alabama), Don Hutson (Alabama), Walter Jones (Aliceville High School), Joe Namath (Alabama), Ozzie Newsome (Colbert County High School, Alabama), Terrell Owens (Benjamin Russell High School in Alexander City), Ken Stabler (Foley High School, Alabama), John Stallworth (Central High School in Tuscaloosa, Alabama A&M), Bart Starr (Sidney Lanier High School in Montgomery, Alabama), Dwight Stephenson (Alabama) and Derrick Thomas (Alabama).

The 25 semifinalists will provide the 15 finalists for consideration for the Class of 2021 on Feb. 6, 2021, in Tampa, Florida, by the 48-member Pro Football Hall of Fame Selection Committee. Also under consideration at that time will be wide receiver Drew Pearson, the senior nominee (predating the 25-year window for modern-era nominees); Tom Flores, the coach finalist; and Bill Nunn, the contributor finalist.

The other semifinalists include Eric Allen, Jared Allen, Ronde Barber, Tony Boselli, Leroy Butler, Alan Faneca, Rodney Harrison, Torry Holt, Calvin Johnson, John Lynch, Peyton Manning, Clay Matthews Jr., Sam Mills, Richard Seymour, Steve Tasker, Fred Taylor, Zach Thomas, Hines Ward, Reggie Wayne, Patrick Willis, Charles Woodson, Darren Woodson and Bryant Young.

Buffalo Bills outside linebacker Cornelius Bennett bats away a pass thrown by New York Giants quarterback Jeff Hostetler during Super Bowl XXV on Jan. 12, 1991, in Tampa, Fla.Getty Images

Mark Inabinett is a sports reporter for Alabama Media Group. Follow him on Twitter at @AMarkG1.

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