49ers Linebacker Patrick Willis Retires “It’s My Health First”

Not many 30-year-old retire from something that they love to do. On Tuesday still a young man, San Francico 49ers Captain Patrick Willis left the game he has played ever since he was a kid.

Willis’ retirement was health related as he only played in six games during the 2014 season due to an injury on his left big toe injury. The linebacker tried to run around after the injury but he says it felt different.

“It’s something about these feet,” said Willis. “You all have seen me have surgery, break my hand on a Sunday, have surgery on a Monday and play on a Thursday with a cast on. Not one time, but I’ve done it numerous times and you all have seen it, but it’s something about these feet.”

Not only are the 49ers losing a seven-time Pro Bowl, they are losing their inspirational leader in their locker room. Willis would often address the team each Sunday before every game with a message. San Francisco CEO Jed York understands what Willis meant to the team and the Niner fans.

“On behalf of the entire San Francisco 49ers organization, my family, and our Faithful fans, I would like to thank Patrick for everything he has brought to this team and our community,” York said. “Some of the greatest memories in the history of our franchise have come from his passion, dedication and sacrifice.”

In Willis first season in 2007, he was named NFL defensive rookie of the year after being drafted 11th overall out of Ole Miss. The Linebacker started 112 games and had 950 tackles with 20½ sacks in eight seasons.

Willis also recorded eight interceptions, two returned for touchdowns, 16 forced fumbles, five fumble recoveries and defended 53 passes. Willis was one of the key players that helped San Francisco reach three straight NFC championship games from 2011 to 2013.

Willis was selected to the Pro Bowl in each of his first seven seasons in the NFL. Lawrence Taylor and Derrick Thomas has longer Pro Bowl streaks to start their careers.

There have been a number of former NFL players that have trouble walking or playing with their kids after they retire. Willis said he didn’t want that to happen to him

“People see that and they feel sorry then, but nobody knows it’s because you played those few extra years that for whatever reason you chose to play,” Willis said. “It’s my health first, and everything else kind of just makes sense around it.”

Even though Willis only played eighth seasons in the NFL, he believes he’s a Hall of Famer.

I already think I’m a Hall of Famer said Willis. “And the way I went and approached the game, every year I said to myself, if I’m going to be in the Hall of Fame someday then I’ve got to play like it, right. So, if I only just continue to be OK, be OK, be OK, and then all of a sudden my last year, I have an amazing year and now that’s enough to get me to the Hall of Fame, I’m not like that. I want to be continuously great, from the time I come in from the time I end.”