Patrick Willis is walking away from the game near the prime of his career. The 30-year-old linebacker is retiring after eight seasons with the San Francisco 49ers, the team announced Tuesday. Willis will hold a news conference at 3 p.m. ET.
How many years did Patrick Willis play in the NFL?
Player stats at NFL.com. Patrick L. Willis (born January 25, 1985) is a former American football linebacker who played his entire eight-year career with the San Francisco 49ers of the National Football League (NFL). He was drafted by the 49ers in the first round of the 2007 NFL Draft.
What is Patrick Willis known for?
Patrick Willis. Patrick L. Willis (born January 25, 1985) is a former American football linebacker who played his entire eight-year career with the San Francisco 49ers of the National Football League (NFL). He was drafted by the 49ers in the first round of the 2007 NFL Draft.
Is Patrick Willis up to much since his retirement?
To hear Patrick Willis tell it, the former 49ers All-Pro linebacker isn’t up to much since his retirement after the 2014 season.
Is Patrick Willis in the Pro Bowl?
On December 16, during another dominating season with the 49ers, Willis was named the starting inside linebacker for the NFC Pro Bowl team. In just two seasons, he established himself as one of the top linebackers in the NFL.
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What is Patrick Willis doing now?
Willis spent eight years with the San Francisco 49ers, making seven Pro Bowls during his excellent career. Then, out of nowhere, he retired at the age of 30 in March 2015, citing long-term health concerns. Nowadays, Willis is working in Silicon Valley at a tech startup company called Open Source Storage.
Why did Patrick Willis retire from football?
Life outside didn't matter, then all the sudden that had began to change in a way.” Toe injuries were the first thing that made Willis consider walking away.
Who does Patrick Willis play for in the NFL?
Jackson State Tigers footballPatrick Willis / Current team (#73 / Offensive lineman)The Jackson State Tigers football team represents Jackson State University in college football at the NCAA Division I Football Championship Subdivision level as a member of the Southwestern Athletic Conference. After joining the Southwestern Athletic Conference in 1958, the program exploded into national prominence. Wikipedia
What injury did Patrick Willis have?
Injury HistoryDateLeagueInjurySep 22, 2013NFLInguinal Groin Pull Grade 1Jan 22, 2013NFLHand Thumb FractureMar 1, 2010NFLKnee Strain Grade 1Oct 13, 2014NFLPedal Toe Sprain3 more rows
Why was J Willis suspended?
On June 17, Willis was suspended for the first six games of the 2021 season after violating the NFL's policy on performance-enhancing substances.
How much did Patrick Willis make?
Patrick Willis signed a 5 year, $50,000,000 contract with the San Francisco 49ers, including a $15,500,000 signing bonus, $20,300,000 guaranteed, and an average annual salary of $10,000,000....Current Contract.Contract:5 yr(s) / $50,000,000Free Agent:2017 / UFA4 more rows
Why did Malik Willis transfer to Liberty?
Willis felt that Liberty — an Evangelical university — was a good fit for him. He also felt that he was given a sign that it was the right place. On the day of his visit, his daily Bible app displayed a verse that he saw painted on the wall of Liberty's football facility.
Did Patrick Willis make it into the Hall of Fame?
He was named to the NFL All-Decade team of the 2010s. Willis was recently enshrined into the 49ers Hall of Fame during a ceremony at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara.
Is Malik Willis going to NFL?
The Tennessee Titans traded up to select quarterback Malik Willis with the No. 86 overall pick on Friday during the third round of the 2022 NFL Draft.
What helmet did Patrick Willis?
Patrick Willis Signed 49ers Speed Flex Authentic F/S Helmet- Beckett W *Black.
Did Patrick Willis ever miss a tackle?
At 98 tackles, Willis is on pace to reach the 100-tackle mark for the sixth time in his seven-year career. The only time he failed to reach that mark was in 2011 when he missed three games with a broken hand.
How old was Patrick Willis Retire?
Willis was a seven-time Pro Bowler, having made the Pro Bowl in each of his first seven seasons in the league, and he was also a First-Team All-Pro in five separate seasons. Shockingly, however, Willis decided to retire at the age of 30 after just eight years in the NFL, while still in the heart of his prime.
Why did Malik Willis leave?
And, so, Willis, shortly after learning of Malzahn's decision, made his own — and still traveled with Malzahn on a Mission Trip to the Dominican Republic, their last days together as coach and player. Willis wanted to be a quarterback. Malzahn wanted someone else. “He's a competitor,” Malzahn said at the time.
Why did Willis leave Auburn?
Willis initially transferred away from Auburn because he was unable to earn playing time. He was stuck behind Jarrett Stidham his two years with the Tigers and played sparingly. He completed 11 of 14 passes for 69 yards and a touchdown while running for 309 yards and two touchdowns on 28 carries in that limited action.
Is Malik Willis going to NFL?
The Tennessee Titans traded up to select quarterback Malik Willis with the No. 86 overall pick on Friday during the third round of the 2022 NFL Draft.
Did Patrick Willis ever miss a tackle?
At 98 tackles, Willis is on pace to reach the 100-tackle mark for the sixth time in his seven-year career. The only time he failed to reach that mark was in 2011 when he missed three games with a broken hand.
When did Patrick Willis retire?
San Francisco 49ers linebacker Patrick Willis announced his retirement at a news conference on March 10, 2015.
How many times has Willis been a Pro Bowler?
Willis focused too. That’s how he became a seven-time Pro Bowler. But he always had thoughts about how he wanted his football journey to end.
What year did Willis start hurting?
It was Willis’ third or fourth year when his feet started hurting. He knew time was ticking. Then there was the constant grind. Rehab for various injuries was the worst. He admits he was “grumpy” in the locker room. He said he’d look at the young players in the locker room having fun and knew he wasn’t anymore.
When did Willis tell the 49ers he was going to be replaced?
He told the 49ers in early March of 2015, giving them time to find his replacement. He said he didn’t want to wait and cost a young player the opportunity to chase the same chance he had. “When I felt it in my gut, I felt it constantly. I knew, I can’t do this anymore,” Willis said.
Did Willis have a set number of seasons?
Willis didn’t necessarily have a set number of seasons in mind , but he knew it wouldn’t be many.
Did Willis want to be in the Hall of Fame?
Willis wasn’t worried about the Hall of Fame or adding millions more to his bank account. He had made a promise to himself.
Did Willis have regrets?
Willis had it all planned out. He hasn’t had any regrets.
Why did Willis retire?
That offseason, Willis shockingly announced his decision to retire in a press conference, citing his fears over his long-term health should he continue playing.
How old was Willis when he retired?
Shockingly, however, Willis decided to retire at the age of 30 after just eight years in the NFL, while still in the heart of his prime.
Why did Willis stumble?
Willis stumbled into the opportunity because the company’s CEO and founder, Eren Niazi, was Willis’ neighbor. His newfound career may not have been what anyone expected from the perennial Pro Bowl linebacker, but he’s found great success in his next chapter.
Who did Willis play for in the 2012 Super Bowl?
Willis played a key role for the 49ers team that made a Super Bowl appearance in 2012, but were ultimately defeated by the Ravens. In the game, Willis led all players with 10 tackles.
When did Willis get his first touchdown?
Willis’ first NFL touchdown came against the Seattle Seahawks in 2008 on an 86-yard interception return, a play which showcased his versatility and athleticism while solidifying his status as an elite NFL player.
Why did Willis walk away?
Toe injuries were the first thing that made Willis consider walking away. He was dealing with issues on each foot, so fixing one was still going to impact him physically and mentally with the other foot still unhealthy. Playing with bandaged up hands is one thing, but playing linebacker at a high level in an increasingly pass-happy NFL that required more from the linebacker position without the benefit of healthy feet made Willis reconsider playing into his 30s.
How many Pro Bowl nods did Willis have?
Even without additional training, Willis went on to earn seven Pro Bowl nods and five First-Team All-Pro honors in eight seasons. He twice led the NFL in tackles, hauled in eight interceptions, broke up 53 passes, notched 20.5 sacks and racked up 60 tackles for loss. There’s a chance he winds up in the Pro Football Hall of Fame despite only playing for eight years.
When was Willis drafted?
Willis had an incredible run with the 49ers. He was selected with the No. 11 overall pick in the 2007 draft from Ole Miss. He was NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year, and he went on to earn seven Pro Bowl selections – and five first-team All-Pro honors – in his first seven seasons.
What did Willis say about Bowman?
“I always told myself when I no longer had the passion to play, I would let it go and pass it on to the next (man) up,” Willis said. “And I feel like I was able to do that to NaVorro (Bowman) and continue on my path in life.”
Is Bowman still with the 49ers?
Bowman experienced serious knee and Achilles injuries with the 49ers. The club released him last season. After playing the final 10 games of 2017 with the Raiders, Bowman, now 30, remains an unsigned free agent.
Did Willis walk away from the 49ers?
After his surprising decision to retire following the 2014 season after eight years in the NFL, Willis said Tuesday on The 49ers Insider Podcast that he has never second-guessed his decision to walk away – while his feet still enabled him to walk.