Ken Anderson, American football quarterback and coach

Kenneth Allan Anderson, born on February 15, 1949, stands as an iconic figure in American football, particularly renowned for his enduring legacy as a quarterback for the Cincinnati Bengals. A true one-club man, Anderson dedicated his entire professional playing career to the Bengals within the National Football League (NFL) before transitioning into a significant coaching role, further cementing his impact on the sport.

An Illustrious Playing Career: From Augustana to NFL Stardom

Anderson's journey to the NFL began at Augustana College, a respected NCAA Division II program where his talent as a quarterback first shone brightly. His exceptional collegiate performance caught the eye of NFL scouts, leading to his selection by the Cincinnati Bengals in the 3rd round of the 1971 NFL Draft. This marked the start of a remarkable 16-season career that would see him become one of the most efficient and prolific passers of his era.

Unparalleled Statistical Dominance

Throughout his extensive NFL tenure, Kenneth Anderson consistently demonstrated elite performance, particularly in his ability to accurately and efficiently move the ball. His statistical achievements include:

• Leading the league in passer rating a remarkable four times. This metric, which combines completion percentage, passing yards, touchdowns, and interceptions, underscores his overall effectiveness and decision-making for a quarterback.
• Topping the NFL in completion percentage three times, a testament to his precision and accuracy in an era less reliant on short, high-percentage throws.
• Leading the league in passing yards on two separate occasions, showcasing his capability to generate significant offensive output and stretch defenses.

The Landmark 1981 MVP Season and Super Bowl Appearance

The pinnacle of Anderson's playing career arrived in the unforgettable 1981 season. This year saw him earn dual prestigious honors: the Associated Press (AP) NFL Most Valuable Player (MVP) award and the AP NFL Offensive Player of the Year. Under his leadership, the Cincinnati Bengals embarked on a historic playoff run, culminating in their first-ever Super Bowl appearance. They faced off against the formidable San Francisco 49ers in Super Bowl XVI, ultimately falling short in a hard-fought 26-21 contest. Despite the loss, Anderson's performance throughout the season and his leadership in guiding the Bengals to such an unprecedented achievement solidified his status as a franchise legend.

A Record-Setting Pace

Anderson's pursuit of excellence extended into the 1982 NFL season, a strike-shortened year consisting of only nine games. During this challenging period, he achieved another significant milestone, setting a then-NFL record for completion percentage at an astounding 70.6%. This benchmark for accuracy stood for nearly three decades, a testament to its exceptional nature in its time. It wasn't until 2009 that another elite quarterback, Drew Brees of the New Orleans Saints, surpassed this record with a 70.62% completion rate, further highlighting Anderson's remarkable and durable achievement.

An Enduring Bengals Legacy

Kenneth Anderson's impact on the Cincinnati Bengals franchise is undeniable and long-lasting. As of the end of the 2018 NFL season, he proudly held numerous franchise passing records. These included career totals for:

• Completions, showcasing his volume and consistency.
• Passing Attempts, reflecting his foundational role in the offense.
• Passing Yards, demonstrating his ability to move the ball downfield.
• Touchdowns, indicating his scoring prowess.
• Interceptions, highlighting his often careful and efficient play.

These records underscore his foundational role in the Bengals' offensive history and his status as arguably the most important quarterback in the team's early decades, serving as a benchmark for future generations.

Transition to Coaching and Post-Playing Career

Following his illustrious playing career, Kenneth Anderson remained deeply involved with football, showcasing his versatility and dedication to the sport.

• Radio Broadcaster: From 1987 to 1993, he served as a radio broadcaster for the Cincinnati Bengals, offering insights and commentary on the team he knew so well, keeping his connection with the fanbase.
• Bengals Coaching Staff: Demonstrating a natural aptitude for strategy and player development, Anderson transitioned to coaching within the Bengals organization from 1993 to 2002. During this period, he held critical roles as both the quarterbacks coach and offensive coordinator, directly influencing the team's offensive schemes and the development of future signal-callers, including players like Jeff Blake and Akili Smith.
• NFL Coaching Beyond Cincinnati: His expertise was sought after by other NFL franchises. He served as the quarterbacks coach for the Jacksonville Jaguars from 2003 to 2006 and then for the Pittsburgh Steelers, a long-standing division rival of the Bengals, from 2007 to 2009. He ultimately retired from professional football in 2010, concluding a multifaceted career spanning several decades as both a player and coach.

The Hall of Fame Debate: A Puzzling Omission?

Despite his significant achievements, including an MVP award, a Super Bowl appearance, and numerous statistical records, Kenneth Anderson's exclusion from the Pro Football Hall of Fame remains a frequently debated topic among football enthusiasts and analysts. He has been a finalist for induction on two separate occasions and is widely regarded as one of the most deserving players yet to be enshrined in Canton, Ohio. Proponents for his induction often point to his groundbreaking efficiency for his era, his MVP season that led a fledgling franchise to its first Super Bowl, and his sustained statistical excellence as compelling arguments for his rightful place among the game's greatest.

Frequently Asked Questions About Kenneth Anderson

When was Kenneth Anderson born?

Kenneth Allan Anderson was born on February 15, 1949.

Which NFL team did Kenneth Anderson play for?

He spent his entire 16-season professional playing career with the Cincinnati Bengals, making him a rare one-franchise player.

What were Kenneth Anderson's major individual awards?

In 1981, he was awarded the AP NFL Most Valuable Player (MVP) and the AP NFL Offensive Player of the Year, recognizing his exceptional performance.

Did Kenneth Anderson ever play in a Super Bowl?

Yes, he famously led the Cincinnati Bengals to their first Super Bowl appearance in 1981, Super Bowl XVI, where they played against the San Francisco 49ers.

What NFL record did Kenneth Anderson hold for nearly 30 years?

In 1982, he set an NFL record for completion percentage at 70.6%, a mark of incredible accuracy that was eventually broken by Drew Brees in 2009.

Did Kenneth Anderson have a coaching career after playing?

Yes, after retiring as a player, he served as quarterbacks coach and offensive coordinator for the Cincinnati Bengals, and later as quarterbacks coach for the Jacksonville Jaguars and Pittsburgh Steelers before retiring from football in 2010.

Has Kenneth Anderson been inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame?

No, despite being a two-time finalist and widely considered one of the best players not yet enshrined, Kenneth Anderson has not yet been inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.