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Will Anderson Jr.
Will Anderson Jr.
Will Anderson Jr.
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William Anderson Jr. (born September 2, 2001) is an American professional football defensive end for the Houston Texans of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Alabama Crimson Tide, where he won several awards, such as the Bronko Nagurski Trophy twice, and was a part of Alabama's national championship in 2020.

Key Information

Anderson was selected by the Texans third overall in the 2023 NFL draft, who traded up to get him after selecting Ohio State quarterback C. J. Stroud with the previous pick. He won NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year in 2023.

Early life

[edit]

Anderson was born on September 2, 2001, in Hampton, Georgia.[1] He attended Dutchtown High School, where he recorded 22 sacks with 15 tackles for loss as a senior in 2019. Anderson was named to The Atlanta Journal-Constitution's "Super 11" team and played in the 2020 All-American Bowl.[2][3][4] Anderson committed to play college football for the Alabama Crimson Tide.[5][6]

College career

[edit]

Anderson was named a starter at outside linebacker as a freshman in 2020.[7][8][9] He was named second-team All-Southeastern Conference (SEC) after finishing with seven quarterback sacks and 10.5 tackles for loss as the Crimson Tide won the 2021 College Football Playoff National Championship.[10] As a sophomore in 2021, Anderson won the Bronko Nagurski Trophy, was named the SEC Defensive Player of the Year, and was voted a unanimous All-American after recording 17.5 sacks and 34.5 tackles for loss, both of which led the nation.[11][12][13][14][15] He finished fifth in Heisman Trophy voting.[16]

On November 17, 2022, Anderson recorded a 25-yard interception return for a touchdown against Louisiana-Monroe.[17] In the 2022 season, Anderson had 51 total tackles (24 solo), ten sacks, and one interception in 13 games.[18] His ten sacks led the SEC for the 2022 season.[19] He won the Bronko Nagurski Award, Chuck Bednarik Award, Lott Impact Trophy, and the Lombardi Award,[20][21][22][23] in addition to being named a consensus All-American and the SEC Defensive Player of the Year.[13][24]

College statistics

[edit]
Season GP Tackles Interceptions Fumbles
Solo Ast Cmb TfL Sck Int Yds Avg TD PD FR Yds TD FF
2020 13 33 18 52 10.5 7.0 0 0 0.0 0 0 0 0 0 1
2021 15 58 45 101 31 17.5 0 0 0.0 0 3 0 0 0 0
2022 13 24 27 51 17 10.0 1 25 25.0 1 2 0 0 0 0
Career 41 115 90 204 58.5 34.5 1 25 25.0 1 5 0 0 0 1

Professional career

[edit]
Pre-draft measurables
Height Weight Arm length Hand span 40-yard dash 10-yard split 20-yard split
6 ft 3+1⁄2 in
(1.92 m) 		253 lb
(115 kg) 		33+7⁄8 in
(0.86 m) 		9+7⁄8 in
(0.25 m)		 4.60 s 1.61 s 2.64 s
All values from the NFL Combine[25][26]

Anderson was selected third overall by the Houston Texans in the 2023 NFL draft, in which, they traded with the Arizona Cardinals from the 12th overall pick that they acquired from the Cleveland Browns in the Deshaun Watson trade to move up to third overall.[27][28] On June 23, 2023, Anderson signed a four-year deal worth $35.2 million featuring a $22.6 million signing bonus.[29] In his NFL debut against the Ravens in week 1, Anderson recorded one sack and six total tackles.[30] In week 13, against the Broncos, he recorded his first multi-sack game with two.[31] As a rookie, he started in 13 games and appeared in 15. He finished with seven sacks, 45 total tackles (29 solo), and one pass defended.[32] He was named to the PFWA NFL All-Rookie Team.[33] He was named Defensive Rookie of the Year.[34]

Anderson was named to the 2023 Pro Bowl following an injury to American Football Conference starter Maxx Crosby.[35]

In his postseason debut, Anderson had a sack in the 45–14 victory over the Browns in the Wild Card Round.[36]

In week 6 of the 2024 season, Anderson recorded three sacks, eight tackles and four tackles for loss in a 41–21 win over the New England Patriots, earning AFC Defensive Player of the Week.[37]

Personal life

[edit]

Anderson is a Christian.[38] Anderson is the son of Will Anderson Sr. and Tereon Anderson. He has five older sisters.[39]

NFL career statistics

[edit]

Regular season

[edit]
Year Team Games Tackles Fumbles Interceptions
GP GS Cmb Solo Ast Sck TFL FF FR Yds TD Int Yds TD PD
2023 HOU 15 13 45 29 16 7.0 10 — — — — — — — 1
2024 HOU 14 14 37 27 10 11.0 16 1 1 — — — — — 2
2025 HOU 10 10 30 20 10 10.0 12 4 3 — 1 — — — 2
Career 39 37 112 76 36 26.0 38 4 3 — 1 — — — 5

Postseason

[edit]
Year Team Games Tackles Fumbles Interceptions
GP GS Cmb Solo Ast Sck TFL FF FR Yds TD Int Yds TD PD
2023 HOU 2 2 4 3 1 1.0 2 — — — — — — — —
2024 HOU 2 2 7 6 1 3.5 4 — — — — — — — 2
Career 4 4 11 9 2 4.5 6 — — — — — — — 2

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Will Anderson Jr.

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from Grokipedia
Will Anderson Jr. (born September 2, 2001) is an for the Texans of the (). A native of , where he attended Dutchtown High School as a five-star recruit, Anderson played at the , amassing 34.5 sacks over three seasons to rank second in program history. He earned consensus All-American honors twice, won the as the nation's top defensive player in 2021, and was named SEC Defensive Player of the Year in both 2021 and 2022. Selected by the Texans with the third overall pick in the after being traded up from the , the 6-foot-4, 243-pound made an immediate impact in his rookie season, recording seven sacks, 45 total tackles, and 22 quarterback hits while helping reach the . For his performance, Anderson was named the Defensive Rookie of the Year and earned his first selection. In 2024, he elevated his game with 11 sacks and 58 pressures, converting nearly 20% into sacks and finishing 14th in Defensive Player of the Year voting, contributing to the Texans' strong defensive front alongside players like . In 2025, he started all 17 games, recording career-high 12.0 sacks, 54 tackles, and 20 tackles for loss, and earned First-team All-Pro recognition from the Associated Press. Known for his relentless motor—earning him the nickname "The Terminator"—Anderson remains a cornerstone of 's defense.

Early life

Childhood and family

Will Anderson Jr. was born on September 2, 2001, in Hampton, Georgia, a suburb south of Atlanta. He grew up in a modest three-bedroom house in a tight-knit family that instilled values of hard work, education, and loyalty from an early age. His parents, William Anderson Sr. and Tereon Williams Anderson, played pivotal roles in shaping his character and supporting his development. William Sr., a former defensive back at the University of Tennessee who later worked as a paramedic and firefighter, emphasized discipline and resilience, often training with his son and hiring professional trainers to hone his skills. Tereon, a teacher and coach in the Hampton community, focused on perseverance and emotional encouragement, attending games and fostering a nurturing environment despite the challenges of raising a large family. The Anderson family included seven children: Will as the youngest son, an older brother named Shawn, and five older sisters—Shawnta, Shanice, Chyna, Endia, and Teria—who were all athletically inclined in sports like and . The siblings' dynamic was competitive and tough, with the sisters often pranking and physically challenging Will, which built his toughness but also created early frustrations. The family faced everyday challenges of a bustling household, including limited space and the demands of supporting multiple children's activities, yet they overcame these through mutual reliance and community involvement, such as volunteering with and . Will's paternal grandmother, Betty Taylor, also became a key maternal figure and close confidante during his youth, offering comfort amid the family's high-energy environment until her death in 2020 from . Anderson's early exposure to football came through local recreational leagues in Hampton, influenced by his father's athletic background and the competitive family atmosphere. Initially, he disliked the sport after early struggles and embarrassments, such as being overpowered by a friend during a game, but his parents' unwavering support and the sisters' push for excellence motivated him to improve. This foundation of familial loyalty drove his personal growth, with Anderson later crediting the household's emphasis on respect and collective effort for his drive to succeed and honor his loved ones.

High school career

Will Anderson Jr. attended Dutchtown High School in , where he emerged as a standout over three varsity seasons. During his senior year in 2019, Anderson recorded 22 sacks and 15 tackles for loss, contributing to a defense that allowed just 7.7 points per game en route to a 12-1 record and the school's first region title. His dominant performance earned him first-team All-State honors from and selection to the AJC Super 11 team, the first from Dutchtown in that publication's history. Anderson's high school exploits drew national attention, establishing him as a consensus five-star recruit in the class of 2020. He ranked as the No. 1 weakside and No. 5 overall prospect nationally according to ' composite rankings, while rated him as the No. 6 , No. 49 overall player, and No. 8 recruit in Georgia. After considering offers from top programs, Anderson committed to the on June 17, 2019, with his family's encouragement playing a key role in the decision.

College career

Seasons at Alabama

As a true in , Will Anderson Jr. quickly emerged as a key rotational player on 's defense, appearing in all 13 games and providing crucial pass-rush pressure during the Crimson Tide's undefeated regular season run. His late-season surge included multiple quarterback pressures that helped secure the SEC Championship and advance through the , culminating in a 52-24 victory over State where he contributed to holding the Buckeyes' offense in check. Anderson's seven sacks that year, particularly in high-stakes matchups, underscored his immediate impact on a defense that allowed 19.4 points per game en route to the title. In his campaign of , Anderson solidified his status as one of the nation's elite edge rushers, starting all 15 games and anchoring Alabama's front seven despite an early-season lower leg injury sustained against Mercer that sidelined him briefly. He exploded for a career-high 17.5 sacks, leading the FBS and powering the Crimson Tide to another SEC title with standout performances, including a single sack and disruptive pressures in the 41-24 win over Georgia. His pinnacle came against Mississippi State, where he recorded a school-record-tying four sacks, overwhelming the Bulldogs' offensive line and earning SEC Co-Defensive Player of the Week honors for his dominant showing. Anderson's 102 tackles and relentless pursuit were instrumental in Alabama's Cotton Bowl semifinal victory over , though the team fell short in the national title game against Georgia. As a junior in 2022, Anderson continued to lead Alabama's but faced challenges from a lingering ankle injury that hampered his mobility starting in the non-conference slate and persisted through the season. He still managed ten sacks across 13 games, highlighted by a two-sack effort in the victory over rival Auburn, where his tackles for loss helped seal a gritty defensive stand. Despite the injury limiting his explosiveness in key moments, such as the narrow escape against , Anderson's veteran presence guided a transitioning defense through an 11-2 season, finishing with 51 tackles before declaring for the .

Awards and honors

During his season in 2020, Will Anderson Jr. earned Freshman All-America honors from the (FWAA), recognizing his immediate impact as a true linebacker at . He was also named to the SEC All-Freshman Team, highlighting his standout performance among conference newcomers, and received the Shaun Alexander-FWAA National Freshman Player of the Year Award for his contributions on the field. Anderson's sophomore and junior years brought even greater national acclaim, beginning with his selection to the second-team All-SEC in 2020, first-team All-SEC in 2021 and 2022, as voted by the and league coaches, underscoring his consistent dominance in the . In 2021, he became the first Alabama player to win the , awarded by the FWAA and the Charlotte Touchdown Club to the nation's top defensive player, after leading the country in sacks and tackles for loss. He repeated as the Nagurski winner in 2022, joining as only the second player in history to claim the award twice, further cementing his status as an elite pass rusher. In 2022, Anderson swept multiple major defensive honors, including the from the , which honors the outstanding defensive player in , making him the third player to receive it. He also won the , presented by the Rotary Club of to the top lineman or linebacker, recognizing his technical prowess and leadership on the defensive line. Additionally, he captured the Lott IMPACT Trophy from the Pacific Club IMPACT Foundation, awarded to the defensive player with the greatest overall impact on his team, both athletically and in ; he became the second recipient, following in 2005. Anderson's exceptional play earned him unanimous All-American status in both 2021 and 2022, a rare feat that made him the first player to achieve this distinction twice, with first-team selections from major outlets including the AFCA, AP, FWAA, and Foundation. These honors reflected his transformative role in 's defense, where his pass-rushing ability disrupted offenses and elevated the team's contention.

College statistics

Will Anderson Jr. accumulated 205 total tackles, 34.5 sacks, and 62 tackles for loss over his three seasons at the from 2020 to 2022. These totals rank him second in Alabama program history for both career sacks and tackles for loss.
YearSchoolClassPosGSoloAstTotSkTFLFFFRIntPD
2020FRLB133319527.010.51000
2021SOLB15584410217.534.50003
2022JRLB1324275110.017.00011
Career411159020534.562.01014

Professional career

2023 NFL draft

Anderson measured 6 feet 3½ inches tall and weighed 253 pounds at the NFL Scouting Combine, where he also ran the 40-yard dash in 4.60 seconds. These physical attributes, combined with his arm length of 33⅞ inches and hand size of 9⅞ inches, highlighted his frame suited for an edge rusher role in the NFL. Scouting reports praised Anderson for his elite explosiveness off the line, exceptional bend around , and a versatile pass-rush arsenal that included speed, power, and counter moves. Analysts projected him as a top-five pick in the , citing his college production—including 34.5 tackles for loss and 28 sacks over three seasons at —as evidence of his potential to become an immediate impact defender. The Houston Texans selected Anderson third overall in the first round of the , trading up from the 12th pick to secure him after the chose at No. 6. He signed a four-year contract worth $35,212,818, fully guaranteed, including a $22,609,392 .

Rookie season (2023)

Anderson began his professional career with the Houston Texans after being selected third overall in the , earning an immediate starting role on the defensive line due to his college pedigree. In his NFL debut during Week 1 against the on September 10, 2023, he recorded his first career sack on Lamar Jackson, becoming the first Texans rookie to achieve a sack in a season opener. Over his first 13 games (accounting for the team's Week 7 bye), Anderson amassed 5.0 sacks, including a standout performance with 2.0 sacks, 2 tackles for loss, and 4 hits against the in Week 13. He also contributed 1.0 sack each against the in Week 9 and the in Week 11, showcasing his pass-rushing prowess with 29 solo tackles and 15 assists overall in the regular season. Anderson's rookie campaign was interrupted by injury in Week 14 against the New York Jets on December 10, 2023, when he suffered a high-ankle sprain in the fourth quarter, limiting his participation to just 2 quarterback hits in that game. The injury sidelined him for the following two games (Weeks 15 and 16), causing him to miss time during a critical stretch for the Texans' playoff push. He returned in Week 17 against the Tennessee Titans on December 31, 2023, delivering 2.0 sacks, 2 tackles for loss, and 3 quarterback hits in a limited 12-snap outing, which helped him reach a season total of 7.0 sacks, 10 tackles for loss, and 22 quarterback hits. Despite the setback, Anderson's contributions were instrumental in the Texans finishing the with a 10-7 record, securing their first playoff appearance since 2019 and clinching the division title. His 7.0 sacks established a new franchise record for a , surpassing the previous mark of 6.0 set by in 2012 and marking the first time a Texans reached that threshold since the team's inception in 2002.

2024 season

In 2024, Will Anderson Jr. achieved full participation across 16 games, including all 14 regular-season starts and both postseason contests, solidifying his role as the cornerstone of the Texans' after recovering from an ankle that limited his 2023 output. He recorded a career-high 58 pressures during the regular season, per , converting them into 11 sacks and leading the team's defensive line in disruptive plays. This performance marked a significant step in his development, as he demonstrated greater consistency in generating quarterback disruptions despite frequent double-team attention from offensive lines. Anderson's notable performances included a standout effort in Week 6 against the , where he tallied three sacks and four tackles for loss in a 41–21 victory, earning AFC Defensive Player of the Week honors. In the , he contributed crucially to the Texans' Wild Card win over the (32–12), registering 1.5 sacks, before delivering 2.0 sacks and three tackles for loss in the Divisional Round loss to the (23–14). These efforts helped propel to a 10–7 regular-season record and the title, extending their postseason run to the Divisional Round for the second consecutive year. Beyond pass rushing, Anderson showed marked growth in run defense, earning a sixth-ranked PFF run-defense grade of 81.1 among edge defenders—his first top-10 finish in the metric—and improving his ability to handle double teams on 28% of pass-rush snaps while maintaining impact against the run. This versatility enhanced the Texans' overall defensive scheme under coordinator , allowing Anderson to anchor the front seven more effectively and contribute to the unit's top-10 ranking in total defense.

2025 season

In the 2025 NFL season, Will Anderson Jr. has continued to excel as one of the league's premier pass rushers for the Houston Texans. As of November 19, 2025, through 10 games, he has recorded 8.0 sacks (10th in the ), 30 total tackles (20 solo), 12 tackles for loss, 14 quarterback hits, and 3 forced fumbles. According to , he has generated 55 pressures (3rd among edge defenders) with a 91.0 overall grade (3rd) and 91.6 pass-rush grade (4th). His pass-rush win rate stands at 23% (3rd among edge rushers per ). Anderson has delivered standout performances in several high-stakes matchups against playoff contenders. In Week 7 against the , he made a phenomenal defensive play, breaking off a block to force a turnover that directly led to a Texans , earning praise from franchise legend . Earlier, in Week 5 at the , he notched multiple pressures on quarterback , helping limit the Ravens' rushing attack in a competitive divisional contest. These efforts have been instrumental in key moments, bolstering the Texans' defensive stands as the team holds a 5-5 record. At midseason, Anderson's consistency has earned him widespread recognition, including a No. 46 ranking on the Players of 2025 list, voted by peers for his breakout potential. He has emerged as a leading candidate for Defensive Player of the Year honors, with analysts highlighting his league-leading pressures and disruptive plays as putting him in the top tier alongside names like . As of November 2025, Anderson has no reported major injuries and remains a cornerstone of the Texans' defense, central to their aspirations for a deep playoff run and contention.

Awards and honors

College awards

During his time at the , Will Anderson Jr. earned numerous accolades that highlighted his dominance as a , establishing him as one of the premier players in . He won the , awarded to the nation's top defensive player, in both 2021 and 2022, becoming only the second player in the award's history to achieve this feat. In 2022, Anderson also received the for the outstanding defensive player of the year, the recognizing the best lineman or linebacker, and the Lott IMPACT Trophy, which honors the top defensive player based on integrity, performance, courage, academics, community, and toughness. Additionally, Anderson was named a unanimous All-American in both 2021 and 2022, a distinction that made him the first player in history to earn this honor twice. These awards underscored his exceptional performance on the field, where he amassed 205 tackles, 62 tackles for loss, and 34.5 sacks over three seasons, contributing to 's strong defensive rankings. The breadth and prestige of these recognitions solidified his reputation as the top defender in , significantly boosting his draft stock and leading to his selection as the third overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft.

NFL awards

In his rookie season of 2023, Will Anderson Jr. earned the Associated Press NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year award, recognizing his league-leading 38 quarterback pressures among rookies. He was also named to the Pro Football Writers of America All-Rookie Team and selected for the Pro Bowl, becoming the seventh defensive rookie drafted in the top three to achieve the latter honor since 1970. Anderson's Defensive Rookie of the Year win marked the first for a Houston Texans player since 2009. During the 2024 season, Anderson was again selected to the , joining teammate as one of two Texans representatives. He received one second-place vote in NFL All-Pro balloting and finished 14th in voting for the AP NFL Defensive Player of the Year, receiving 3 votes. As of the 2025 midseason, Anderson has emerged as a candidate for Defensive Player of the Year, ranking second in ESPN's midseason predictions with odds around +1300 by as of November 2025. He was also voted No. 46 on the Players of 2025 list, reflecting his breakout performance from the prior year.

Personal life

Family

Will Anderson Jr. maintains a close relationship with his parents, Tereon Williams Anderson and William Anderson Sr., who have been pivotal in his personal and professional life since entering the . Tereon, and coach, frequently attends Houston Texans games to support her son, providing unwavering encouragement during his rookie and subsequent seasons. William Sr., a former player and current and , offers guidance on career decisions and life balance, with Anderson describing him as "a tremendous dad" who has meant everything to his development. His five older sisters—Shanice, Shawnta, Endia, Teria, and Chyna—form a vital part of his support system, helping him stay grounded amid the demands of professional football. The sisters, who have pursued their own accomplishments, provide emotional reinforcement and reminders of humility, ensuring Anderson remains focused on his goals. They were notably present alongside his parents at key events like his NFL Draft introduction, underscoring their ongoing role in his life. Anderson embodies a family-first philosophy, often crediting his relatives for instilling loyalty and perseverance that motivate him through challenges. In public statements, he has emphasized, "I’m really tight with my family, especially my dad and my mom and all my sisters—they kept me grounded, kept me humble, making sure whatever mission I was trying to do, I was going to complete it." This outlook, rooted in his family's emphasis on hard work from an early age, continues to drive his commitment to success and familial bonds in adulthood.

Faith and community involvement

Will Anderson Jr. is an outspoken Christian who frequently attributes his success and personal growth to his faith in . In interviews, he has emphasized relying on divine approval over public opinion, stating that "the only approval I need is from ," a mindset that helped him overcome challenges like depression during his 2022 college season. He often references biblical principles, such as Philippians 4:13—"I can do all things through Christ"—to underscore keeping first in his life and career. Anderson has shared that his family played a key role in nurturing his faith journey from a young age. Following games, Anderson consistently expresses gratitude to God in post-game interviews, crediting divine intervention for team victories and personal performances. For instance, after the Houston Texans' 23-20 win over the in October 2024, he remarked, "God is so good. Very extraordinary," recalling his pre-game assurance to a teammate that "God is going to do something extraordinary." Similarly, after a September 2024 victory, he began by saying, "First I just got to give all the glory to , man," highlighting His favor on the team. These public declarations reflect his commitment to using his platform as a servant and leader, as he has articulated a desire to let "use me however you want to use me each game." Anderson actively participates in community initiatives through the Houston Texans Foundation and other charitable efforts, focusing on relief and development. In June 2025, he joined and the Houston Food Bank for the Sacks for Hunger event, presenting a $56,000 check—equivalent to 168,000 meals—and helping pack food boxes for seniors. That October, he volunteered with the Chunky Sacks Hunger program, supporting Feeding America's efforts to donate meals based on NFL sacks, contributing to 1,260,000 meals nationwide for the 2024 season. Demonstrating loyalty to his Atlanta roots, Anderson hosts an annual football camp at his , Dutchtown High School, where he provides training and mentorship to local youngsters, emphasizing skill-building and inspiration. In June 2025, he hosted his second annual football camp at Dutchtown High School, providing training and mentorship to over 100 local youngsters. Beyond his professional life, Anderson maintains personal interests that connect him to his upbringing, including , which he has described as a defining pastime alongside family and hard work values instilled in his Georgia hometown. This loyalty to his roots is evident in his ongoing commitment to community events in the area, blending recreation with mentorship to give back to the youth who share his background.

Career statistics

College statistics

Will Anderson Jr. accumulated 205 total tackles, 34.5 sacks, and 62 tackles for loss over his three seasons at the from 2020 to 2022. These totals rank him second in Alabama program history for both career sacks and tackles for loss.
YearSchoolClassPosGSoloAstTotSkTFLFFFRIntPD
2020FRLB133319527.010.51000
2021SOLB15584410217.534.50003
2022JRLB1324275110.017.00011
411159020534.562.01014

NFL regular season

Will Anderson Jr. began his NFL career with the Houston Texans in 2023, quickly establishing himself as a productive pass rusher despite an injury-limited rookie season. Over his first three seasons through Week 10 of 2025, he has amassed 112 combined tackles, 26.0 sacks, 4 forced fumbles, 3 fumble recoveries, and 5 pass deflections in 39 regular-season games. His performance highlights a strong emphasis on quarterback disruption, with advanced metrics showing 162 total pressures (PFF) across his career.

2023 Season

In his year, Anderson appeared in 15 games with 13 starts, recording 45 combined tackles (29 solo, 16 assisted) and a team-leading 7.0 sacks. He contributed 1 pass deflection and generated 49 pressures (PFF), demonstrating immediate impact on the defensive line.
YearTeamGGSCombSoloAstSacksFFFRPDPressures
2023HOU15134529167.000149 (PFF)

2024 Season

Anderson played a full workload in 2024, starting all 14 games and boosting his production with 37 combined tackles (27 solo, 10 assisted) and 11.0 sacks. He added 1 forced , 1 fumble recovery, 2 pass deflections, and 58 pressures (PFF), helping anchor the Texans' defensive front.
YearTeamGGSCombSoloAstSacksFFFRPDPressures
2024HOU141437271011.011258 (PFF)

2025 Season

Through the first 10 games of the 2025 season (up to Week 10), Anderson has started all contests, tallying 30 combined tackles (20 solo, 10 assisted) and 8.0 sacks. He has forced 3 fumbles, recovered 2 fumbles, and recorded 2 pass deflections, while generating 14 QB hits (PFR); however, Pro Football Focus credits him with 55 pressures, underscoring his elite pass-rush efficiency early in the year.
YearTeamGGSCombSoloAstSacksFFFRPDPressures
2025HOU10103020108.032255 (PFF)

Career Regular-Season Totals (through Week 10, 2025)

Anderson's cumulative regular-season statistics reflect his development into a of the Texans' defense, with a focus on sack production and generation that ranks among the league's top young edge rushers.
CategoryGGSCombSoloAstSacksFFFRPDPressures
Career3937112763626.0435162 (PFF)

NFL postseason

Will Anderson Jr. made his NFL postseason debut during the 2023 as a with the Texans, who advanced to the AFC Wild Card round after an 10-7 regular season. In the wild card victory over the on January 13, 2024, Anderson recorded 3 solo tackles and 1 sack, contributing to the Texans' dominant 45-14 win. He appeared in the subsequent divisional round loss to the , adding 1 assist for a postseason total of 4 combined tackles and 1.0 sack across two games. In the 2024 playoffs, the Texans again qualified as champions with a 10-7 record and hosted the in the wild card round, securing a 32-12 victory on , 2025, where Anderson tallied 3 solo tackles and 1.5 sacks. His performance continued in the divisional round loss, with 3 solo tackles and 2.0 sacks, resulting in season totals of 7 combined tackles and 3.5 sacks over two games. These efforts underscored his disruptive presence on the defensive line during Houston's back-to-back playoff appearances. Through the 2024 postseason, Anderson's overall playoff statistics reflect his limited but impactful role in four games, hampered initially by a rookie-year hand injury that affected his regular-season output but not his postseason participation. His career postseason totals include 11 combined tackles (9 solo, 2 assists), 4.5 sacks, and 6 tackles for loss, highlighting key contributions to the Texans' defensive efforts in advancing past the wild card round twice.
SeasonGames PlayedCombined TacklesSolo TacklesAssistsSacksTackles for Loss
202324311.02
202427613.54
Career411924.56
As of November 2025, with the 2025 regular season ongoing, Anderson has not yet participated in that year's postseason.

References

  1. https://www.espn.com/nfl/player/_/id/4685724/will-anderson-jr
  2. https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/A/AndeWi01.htm
  3. https://www.ncaa.com/news/football/article/2025-01-13/will-anderson-jr-college-football-stats-highlights-records
  4. https://rolltide.com/sports/football/roster/will-anderson-jr-/8049
  5. https://www.nfl.com/news/scouting-will-anderson-jr-alabama-prospect-reminiscent-of-von-miller
  6. https://www.espn.com/college-football/story/_/id/32993231/will-anderson-alabama-pass-rusher-blazed-path-breakout
  7. https://www.nfl.com/news/winning-droty-would-cap-outstanding-rookie-year-for-texans-will-anderson
  8. https://www.nfl.com/news/texans-de-will-anderson-jr-wins-ap-2023-nfl-defensive-rookie-of-the-year
  9. https://www.nfl.com/news/top-100-players-of-2025-nos-50-41
  10. https://www.houstontexans.com/news/houston-texans-anderson-jr-hunter-and-stingley-jr-associated-press-all-pro
  11. https://www.nfl.com/news/2025-all-pro-team-matthew-stafford-bijan-robinson-jaxon-smith-njigba-highlight-roster
  12. https://www.nfl.com/videos/will-anderson-jr-shares-the-story-of-how-he-got-nicknamed-the-terminator
  13. https://www.on3.com/college/alabama-crimson-tide/news/watch-how-five-sisters-helped-will-anderson-become-terminator-heisman-trophy/
  14. https://www.essentiallysports.com/nfl-active-news-will-anderson-jr-parents-everything-you-need-to-know-about-tereon-williams-anderson-and-william-anderson-sr/
  15. https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/2792248/2021/08/28/will-anderson-and-the-family-that-shaped-him-how-5-sisters-inspired-the-alabama-star-to-be-his-own-toughest-critic/
  16. https://www.golongtd.com/p/all-game-long-will-anderson-jr-the
  17. https://www.houstonchronicle.com/texas-sports-nation/texans/article/houston-texans-will-anderson-jr-18109370.php
  18. https://www.ajc.com/sports/high-school/will-anderson-dutchtown/awbU86J4EuNTybdn3YDKIM/
  19. https://247sports.com/player/will-anderson-46053865/
  20. https://www.espn.com/college-sports/football/recruiting/player/_/id/234010/william-anderson
  21. https://tdalabamamag.com/2019/06/17/breaking-william-anderson-commits-to-alabama/
  22. https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/players/will-anderson-jr-1.html
  23. https://www.espn.com/college-football/story/_/id/32190046/alabama-crimson-tide-cbs-josh-jobe-jalyn-armour-davis-start-vs-mercer
  24. https://www.al.com/alabamafootball/2022/12/smiling-will-anderson-recalls-saban-calling-him-soft-and-how-he-got-him-back.html
  25. https://www.si.com/college/alabama/bamacentral/three-years-later-will-andersons-gamble-pays-off-with-legendary-crimson-tide-career
  26. https://www.si.com/college/alabama/bamacentral/alabama-vs-texas-notebook-will-anderson-jr-says-texas-hardest-game-ive-ever-played-in-blackwell
  27. https://rolltide.com/news/2021/1/18/football-will-anderson-jr-earns-shaun-alexander-freshman-of-the-year-award.aspx
  28. https://www.secsports.com/article/30577316/2020-sec-football-awards-all-sec-team-announced
  29. https://fwaa.com/fwaa/news/2021/12/06/alabamas-anderson-wins-2021-bronko-nagurski-trophy
  30. https://rolltide.com/news/2022/12/5/alabama-footballs-will-anderson-jr-wins-nagurski-trophy-for-second-consecutive-year
  31. https://www.maxwellfootballclub.org/bednarik-award
  32. https://www.saturdaydownsouth.com/alabama-football/will-anderson-star-alabama-lb-wins-2022-rotary-lombardi-award/
  33. https://rolltide.com/news/2022/12/11/alabama-footballs-will-anderson-jr-selected-as-2022-lott-impact-trophy-winner
  34. https://rolltide.com/news/2022/12/14/football-places-four-on-afca-all-america-teams-anderson-jr-named-unanimous-all-american
  35. https://rolltide.com/awards/1110
  36. https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/2023-nfl-combine-results-measurements-for-lbs-40-yard-dash-height-weight-top-performers-more/
  37. https://www.nfl.com/prospects/will-anderson-jr./3200414e-4462-7364-511f-d68d330a6780
  38. https://www.pff.com/news/draft-early-2023-nfl-draft-edge-rusher-rankings
  39. https://www.profootballnetwork.com/will-anderson-jr-edge-alabama-nfl-draft-scouting-report-2023/
  40. https://www.sbnation.com/2023/3/30/23659035/2023-nfl-draft-will-anderson-cant-miss-alabama-crimson-tide-edge-pass-rusher-scouting-report
  41. https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/will-anderson-jr-nfl-draft-2023-scouting-report-landing-spots-pro-comparison-combine-results-more/
  42. https://www.houstontexans.com/news/texans-select-alabama-lb-will-anderson-with-the-3-pick-of-the-2023-nfl-draft
  43. https://overthecap.com/player/will-anderson-jr/10827
  44. https://www.houstontexans.com/news/will-anderson-jr-sacks-lamar-jackson-in-nfl-debut
  45. https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/A/AndeWi01/gamelog/2023/
  46. https://www.espn.com/nfl/player/gamelog/_/id/4685724/will-anderson-jr
  47. https://www.click2houston.com/sports/2023/12/14/sources-texans-rookie-will-anderson-jr-in-walking-boot-after-suffering-high-ankle-sprain-against-jets/
  48. https://www.houstontexans.com/news/inactives-will-anderson-jr-returns-to-action-at-home-vs-titans
  49. https://www.houstontexans.com/team/players-roster/will-anderson-jr/logs/
  50. https://texanswire.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/texans/2025/08/08/nfl-top-100-where-does-de-will-anderson-rank-for-the-2025-season/85581493007/
  51. https://www.pff.com/news/nfl-pff-edge-defender-rankings-top-32-2025-nfl-season
  52. https://www.houstontexans.com/news/will-anderson-jr-nfl-top-100
  53. https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/htx/2024.htm
  54. https://www.battleredblog.com/2025/5/20/24433876/texan-will-anderson-cj-stroud-derek-stingley-pff-25-under-25
  55. https://www.pff.com/nfl/players/will-anderson/123903
  56. https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/46138675/2025-nfl-win-rates-top-teams-players-rankings-pass-run-block
  57. https://www.profootballnetwork.com/texans-legend-j-j-watt-reaction-will-anderson-jr-sensational-play-vs-seahawks/
  58. https://www.nfl.com/players/will-anderson-jr/stats/logs/2025/
  59. https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/htx/2025.htm
  60. https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/players/3161880/will-anderson-jr/
  61. https://www.al.com/alabamafootball/2022/12/will-anderson-wins-bednarik-award-as-nations-best-defensive-player.html
  62. https://www.si.com/college/alabama/bamacentral/alabama-linebacker-will-anderson-jr-wins-lombardi-award-best-lineman
  63. https://www.espn.com/college-football/story/_/id/35236342/alabama-junior-linebacker-anderson-wins-lott-trophy
  64. https://www.tuscaloosanews.com/story/sports/college/football/2022/12/14/alabama-football-will-anderson-jr-unanimous-all-american/69728068007/
  65. https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/2023-nfl-draft-grades-texans-pick-will-anderson-jr-at-no-3-after-making-huge-trade-up-into-top-three/
  66. https://www.profootballwriters.org/2024/01/23/houstons-stroud-pfwa-rookie-and-offensive-rookie-of-the-year-texans-anderson-defensive-rookie-of-the-year-2023-all-rookie-team-named/
  67. https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/nfl-honors-will-anderson-jr-wins-defensive-rookie-of-the-year-becomes-third-texans-player-to-win-honor/
  68. https://www.houstontexans.com/news/houston-texans-de-will-anderson-jr-named-to-2024-pro-bowl-games
  69. https://sports.yahoo.com/3-other-texans-players-received-214509278.html
  70. https://www.pro-football-reference.com/awards/awards_2024.htm
  71. https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/46836960/2025-nfl-midseason-awards-ranking-mvp-rookies-coaches-candidates
  72. https://www.foxsports.com/stories/nfl/2025-nfl-defensive-player-year-odds
  73. https://www.houstonchronicle.com/sports/texans/article/players-moms-group-texts-support-21129024.php
  74. https://defendernetwork.com/sports/professional/its-family-first-for-texans-will-anderson-jr/
  75. https://tide1009.com/will-anderson-was-depressed-in-2022/
  76. https://www.al.com/sports/2023/11/will-anderson-jr-on-texans-revival-guys-are-hungry-guys-are-starving.html
  77. https://www.movieguide.org/news-articles/texans-de-says-god-did-something-extraordinary-during-game.html
  78. https://www.movieguide.org/news-articles/how-nfl-pro-will-anderson-jr-is-giving-god-all-the-glory.html
  79. https://sportsspectrum.com/sport/football/2024/07/22/texans-will-anderson-rest-gods-approval/
  80. https://www.houstontexans.com/photos/h-e-b-sacks-for-hunger-event-with-the-houston-food-bank
  81. https://www.houstonfoodbank.org/blog/will-anderson-jr-with-chunky-sacks-hunger/
  82. https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2024/opp.htm
  83. https://www.henryherald.com/sports/nfl-star-will-anderson-jr-hosts-youth-football-camp-at-dutchtown/article_240016c3-79d1-4299-98c1-f0eb3bb7b142.html
  84. https://www.nfl.com/players/will-anderson-jr/stats/
  85. https://www.espn.com/nfl/game/_/gameId/401547749/browns-texans
  86. https://www.nfl.com/news/chargers-texans-on-wild-card-saturday-what-we-learned-from-houston-s-win
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