Willie Anderson, Pro Football HOF Class of '22 semifinalist, is Bengals' 'Ruler' of Jungle

Former Cincinnati Bengals offensive tackle Willie Anderson - the team's "Ruler of the Jungle" for Sunday's game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Paul Brown Stadium - was named Wednesday as a semifinalist for the Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2022.

Anderson, who played 12 of his 13 National Football League seasons for the Bengals, is one of 26 modern-era semifinalists. Fifteen finalists will be announced in January.

From the Bengals via Twitter on Sunday:

From Anderson via Twitter on Saturday:

Anderson, a Bengal from 1996 to 2007 who finished his career with the Baltimore Ravens, was a semifinalist for Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2021 consideration, but he was not one of 15 modern-era player finalists named this past January.

From Anderson via Twitter earlier in the week, responding to a congratulatory tweet from the Bengals:

In May, Anderson was among 17 nominees for the Bengals' Ring of Honor.

Earlier this year, Anderson explained that he believes Marvin Lewis should be hired by a NFL team looking to rebuild, insisting that "very few can do the rebuild he had to do with the Bengals."

LOVE SPORTS? [ Subscribe now for unlimited access to Cincinnati.com ]

This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Willie Anderson named Pro Football HOF Class of 2022 semifinalist