Niner Noise
FanSided

San Francisco 49ers: Revisiting Patrick Willis’ greatness

By Logan Stanley

SAN FRANCISCO, CA - JANUARY 22: Patrick Willis #52 of the San Francisco 49ers reacts after he sacked Eli Manning #10 of the New York Giants in the second half during the NFC Championship Game at Candlestick Park on January 22, 2012 in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
SAN FRANCISCO, CA - JANUARY 22: Patrick Willis #52 of the San Francisco 49ers reacts after he sacked Eli Manning #10 of the New York Giants in the second half during the NFC Championship Game at Candlestick Park on January 22, 2012 in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
4 of 4
Next
SANTA CLARA, CA – OCTOBER 05: Patrick Willis #52 of the San Francisco 49ers runs onto the field during player introductions for their game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Levi’s Stadium on October 5, 2014 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
SANTA CLARA, CA – OCTOBER 05: Patrick Willis #52 of the San Francisco 49ers runs onto the field during player introductions for their game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Levi’s Stadium on October 5, 2014 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) /

Supreme athletic ability

— HOW!? THAT’S A LINEBACKER.

— AGAIN, HOW!?

  • Not only was Willis the hardest-hitting player on the field, he was one of the fastest. That are combination of the two resulted in Willis’ stellar career, one that featured being a Pro Bowler for all but one season (his last, in 2014).

As DeSimone concludes in his piece about Willis, he contends that Willis is a worthy of the Hall of Fame. On that front, I am with completely with him. In fact, I believe Willis is a first-ballot Hall of Famer. His resume backs up that declaration.

There is simply no denying that talent of Willis. He’s the all-time 49ers’ leader in tackles (732) and forced fumbles (16) — and he only played eight seasons. And, just like DeSimone mentions, Willis was on pace to enter the top three for tackles in NFL history. It was a matter of when, not if for Willis. Point blank, Willis is one of the best ever to suit up at linebacker.

Next: Top 30 San Francisco 49ers Players All-Time

It’s been awhile since Willis last set foot on the field, but his legacy remains forever archived in footage and our minds. It’s on us to make sure he doesn’t go forgotten in the fold, as he truly is one of the finest individuals to occupy the linebacker position.