Patrick Willis
Inducted:
2024
Player Stats
6 ft 1 in (1.85 m)
242 lb (110 kg)
Born:
January 25, 1985
Bruceton, Tennessee, U.S.
Position:
Linebacker
College:
Ole Miss (2003–2006)
Patrick Willis became one of the most dominant linebackers of his generation, earning instant respect for his speed, power, and instinctive play. Drafted by the San Francisco 49ers in 2007, he made an immediate impact by winning Defensive Rookie of the Year and quickly established himself as the leader of the defense. Willis excelled in both coverage and run support, using rare athleticism to track down ball carriers and shut down passing lanes.
His fierce tackling, sideline-to-sideline range, and calm command of the defense made him the centerpiece of a revived 49ers team that reached the Super Bowl during the 2012 season. Despite retiring earlier than many stars, his peak performance remained unmatched, earning him widespread recognition as one of the era’s best middle linebackers. His remarkable career and sustained excellence led to his induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2024.
Willis' Awards and Honors
- 5× First-team All-Pro (2007, 2009–2012)
- Second-team All-Pro (2008)
- 7× Pro Bowl (2007–2013)
- Led NFL in tackles twice
- One of the most dominant linebackers of the late 2000s and early 2010s
- Key defensive leader in the 49ers’ Super Bowl run
NFL Records
- NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year (2007)
- 2× NFL solo tackles leader (2007, 2009)
- 2× NFL combined tackles leader (2007, 2009)
- NFL 2010s All-Decade Team
NFL Teams
San Francisco 49ers (2007–2014)
NFL Draft:
2007: 1st round, 11th overall pick
San Francisco 49ers
Number Worn:
52
NFL Stats
Seasons:
8 (2007-2014)
Games Played:
112
Games Started:
112
Total tackles:
950
Sacks:
20.5
Forced fumbles:
16
Fumble recoveries:
5
Pass deflections:
53
Interceptions:
8
Defensive touchdowns:
2