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9. Patrick Willis

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9. Patrick Willis
Considered a shocking early retirement by NFL standards, Patrick Willis would spend his entire eight-year professional career with the San Francisco 49ers and make seven Pro Bowls and five First Team All-Pros

The Linebacker would become one of the most impressive defensive players of his era and would become a special defensive stalwart in 49ers defensive lore.  Willis led the NFL in tackles in 2007 and 2009 and he was the Defensive Rookie of the Year in '07.   As phenomenal as he was, he only played for eight years, which could hamper his Hall of Fame chances, though brief and powerful careers gave found their way into Canton before.

The Bullet Points

  • Country of Origin: Bruceton, Tennessee, U.S.A.
  • Eligible Since: Wednesday, 01 January 2020
  • Position: Linebacker
  • Games Played: 112
  • Notable Statistics: 8 Interceptions
    131 Interception Return Yards
    2 Interception Return Touchdowns
    16 Forced Fumbles
    5 Fumble Recoveries
    3 Fumble Recovery Yards
    20.5 Quarterback Sacks
    950 Combined Tackles
    733 Solo Tackles
    217 Assisted Tackles
    60 Tackles for Loss
    40 Quarterback Hits
    108 Approximate Value

    8 Playoff Games
    1 Interception
    -1 Interception Return Yards
    1 Fumble Recovery
    2 Quarterback Sacks
    71 Combined Tackles
    60 Solo Tackles
    11 Assisted Tackles
    3 Tackles for Loss
    4 Quarterback Hits
  • Played For: San Francisco 49ers
  • College: Mississippi
  • Drafted: 1st Round, 11th Overall in 2007
  • Major Accolades and Awards: Super Bowl Rings (None)
    NFL 2010s All-Decade Team
    AP Defensive Rookie of the Year (2007)
    PFWA Defensive Rookie of the Year (2007)
    First Team All-Pro Selection (5) (2007, 2009, 2010, 2011 & 2012)
    Second Team All-Pro Selection (1) (2008)
    Pro Bowl Selections (7) (2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012 & 2013)
    All-Rookie (2007)
    NFL Alumni Linebacker of the Year (3) (2007, 2009 & 2010)
    Most Solo Tackles (2) (2007 & 2009)
    Most Combined Tackles (2007 & 2009)
  • Other Points of Note: Top Ten Finishes: Approximate Value (2) (2007 & 2009)
    Top Ten Finishes: Solo Tackles (4) (2007, 2008, 2009 & 2010)
    Top Ten Finishes: Combined Tackles (4) (2007, 2008, 2009 & 2010)
    Top Ten Finishes: Forced Fumbles (1) (2011)
  • Notable All Time Rankings: 49. Solo Tackles: 733
    100. Combined Tackles: 950
  • Years Nominated for the Hall of Fame: 2022 & 2023

Should Patrick Willis be in the Hall of Fame?

Definitely put him in! - 75.3%
Maybe, but others deserve it first. - 16.1%
Probably not, but it wouldn't be the end of the world. - 3.2%
No opinion. - 0%
No way! - 5.4%
Last modified on Friday, 17 March 2023 22:25

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