While turnover was expected to continue in San Francisco this off-season, a huge surprise hit the NFL world today, as All-Pro linebacker Patrick Willis is set to retire, according to media reports.
A formal announcement of the decision is expected to come down at some point tomorrow, according to ESPN’s sources.
Willis, 30, appeared in just six games last season before he was forced to shut it down to undergo season-ending toe surgery. After being placed on the injured reserve in November, Willis acknowledged to the media that the chronic injury to his left big toe had been bothering him for years, although he never once hinted at a possible retirement.
Willis has played his entire eight-year career in San Francisco after the 49ers selected him 11th overall in 2007. He is a seven time Pro Bowler and is one of just seven players in NFL history that was selected to the Pro Bowl consecutivly in his first seven seasons.
Willis was also a five-time All-Pro and finishes his stellar career with 950 tackles, 20.5 sacks, 16 forced fumbles and eight interceptions.
This news comes on the heels of the 49ers losing longtime defensive lineman Justin Smith to retirement today as well.
The team has already lost head coach Jim Harbaugh (to Michigan), Frank Gore (to Philadelphia), and Michael Crabtree (free-agent) so far this off-season. Guard Mike Iupati, who is also a free agent, could be on the move as well.
