San Francisco 49ers: 5 most heartbreaking moments in franchise history

No. 2: He might just be the best linebacker to ever patrol the 49ers defense, but when Patrick Willis announced he was leaving the game, it came as a shock to the Faithful

Just imagine for a moment a defense with linebacker NaVorro Bowman, EDGE Nick Bosa, and linebacker Patrick Willis all on the field at once.

It can only happen in fantasy football and video games, but isn’t fun to think of the “what if’s?”

What if: Willis and Bowman stuck around and became an even more domination duo?

What if: the 49ers were able to win the Super Bowl with the best defense in the 2010s?

What if: Willis didn’t retire at seemingly such a young age in football terms?

We won’t ever know how this would all play out. All we know is when Willis announced his retirement in March of 2015, it came as a surprise.

During the 2014 season, Willis was out for several games due to an injury. But there was hope and optimism for the next year.

However, when a player doesn’t feel the drive and motivation to play anymore, they should move on and Willis did. In an interview with NBC Matt Maiocco in 2018, Willis said when he no longer has the passion to play, he’d move on.

The former 2007 11th overall draft pick was selected to the Pro Bowl in every single season except for his last. He amassed 20.5 sacks, 950 tackles, and eight interceptions.

With what seemed like so much potential left, it was a shock to the 49ers Faithful. He was and still is a true fan favorite with his name scattered on jerseys and t-shirts throughout Levis Stadium every week.

But there’s always those “what if” questions which linger to do this day.