Patrick Willis
Patrick L. Willis (born January 25, 1985) is an American former professional football player who spent his entire eight-year Hall of Fame career as a linebacker 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. He played college football for the Ole Miss Rebels, earning consensus All-American honors in 2006.
For the judge, see Patrick Willis (judge).No. 52
January 25, 1985
Bruceton, Tennessee, U.S.
6 ft 2 in (1.88 m)
240 lb (109 kg)
Ole Miss (2003–2006)
2007 / Round: 1 / Pick: 11
950
950
20.5
8
16
2
During Willis's senior season at Ole Miss, he received the Butkus Award and the Jack Lambert Award as the nation's top linebacker. A year later as a member of the 49ers, Willis led the NFL in tackles, earned first-team All-Pro and Pro Bowl honors while being named the 2007 AP NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year. Willis made the Pro Bowl in his first seven seasons in the NFL, and earned All-Pro honors in his first six years. He won the college Butkus Award in 2006 while at Ole Miss and in 2009, he won the professional Butkus Award while with the 49ers. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2024.
Personal life[edit]
Willis was separated from his biological father at the age of 17, with his mother leaving him when he was a child, and along with his three siblings moved in with his parental guardians, Willis' high school basketball coach, Chris Finley, and his wife, Julie.[41] Willis's brother, Detris, drowned in 2006 while swimming with his friends.[42][43] His uncle, Arthur Willis, was a professional super middleweight boxer who later fought future world champion James Toney to a split decision.[44][45]
He holds a degree in criminal justice and envisions a future in law enforcement.[46]
Willis is a Christian. Willis says his grandmother told him about Jesus. Willis talks about his faith when he plays saying, "No matter the outcome of a game, my No. 1 goal is to glorify God. I always pray, 'Lord, I don't know what today's game is going to be like, but I pray that you bless me to go out here and play for you. Be a soldier for your army, go out here and lead this team the way you want me to lead it.'"[47][48]