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Patrick Willis News & Rumors

Patrick Willis' mentoring helps NaVorro Bowman
January 21
San Francisco Chronicle
 
"Call it the linebacker lineage, an ongoing mentorship program in the heart of the 49ers' defense. Just as Takeo Spikes guided Patrick Willis early in his NFL career, so too does Willis watch out for NaVorro Bowman. Bowman clearly can hold his own on the football field, but Willis helped ease the transition to a starting role this season - dispensing advice, offering encouragement, playing the big brother. So when coach Jim Harbaugh gathered his players after practice Jan. 6 to deliver the news, Willis burst with pride. No, not when Harbaugh announced Willis had been named first-team All-Pro - that's practically an annual happening, cause merely for knowing glances. Harbaugh also revealed"
Defensive starters Willis, Brown sit out practice
January 20
Sacramento Bee
 
"Two of the 49ers' defensive starters sat out Thursday's practice, including defensive captain Patrick Willis, who missed the session with a sore knee. The injury is not believed to be serious. Willis was seen jogging at the start of practice, and he lined up at his usual inside linebacker spot when the defense was participating in walk-throughs. Cornerback Tarell Brown, who has started all 17 games for the 49ers, also missed Thursday's practice with a thigh injury. Both Brown and Willis were full participants Wednesday, according to the team's participation report. The good news for the 49ers' defense was that safety Dashon Goldson (ankle) returned on a limited basis after sitting out"
Patrick Willis shakes off rust for playoffs
January 2
San Francisco Chronicle
 
"Patrick Willis' hamstring felt fine. His feet, however, were a different story. After missing three games with a Grade 2 hamstring strain, Willis was back in the starting lineup Sunday in a 34-27 win over the Rams. Willis finished with four tackles, his lowest total in a full game this season, and the five-time Pro Bowler said he felt sluggish after not playing since Dec. 4. "It felt great to be back out there," Willis said. "Obviously I didn't feel the same as I felt before I left. I felt my feet were real heavy. It felt different - like it was new all over again." Willis said it was important for him to play before the playoffs. He didn't want to rest and run the risk of having a subpar"
Willis returns; 49ers will suit up three WRs
January 1
San Francisco Chronicle
 
"After suffering a hamstring injury in the first quarter of a 26-0 win over the Rams on Dec. 4, 49ers linebacker Patrick Willis will make his return today against St. Louis. Willis will return to the starting lineup after missing the past three games. While Willis is back, wide receiver Ted Ginn will miss his second straight game with an ankle injury and fellow wideout Kyle Williams (concussion) is also inactive, leaving the Niners with just three wide receivers today. Michael Crabtree and Brett Swain will start and Joe Hastings will be the No. 3 wideout after he was promoted from the practice squad Saturday."
Willis practicing, his status for Sunday 'limited'
December 30
Sacramento Bee
 
"If it were up to 49ers defensive coordinator Vic Fangio, linebacker Patrick Willis would play in Sunday's regular-season finale against the St. Louis Rams."This is a game that we have to win, and if he's healthy enough to play, he will play," Fangio said Thursday.Willis hasn't played since suffering a Grade 2 hamstring strain Dec. 4. But he's taken part in the 49ers' past four practices – he's been listed as "limited" – and Fangio said, "he looks fine to me right now." The decision, however, isn't up to Fangio but rather head trainer Jeff Ferguson, who has taken a cautious approach with the star linebacker's hamstring.The 49ers either must win Sunday's game in St. Louis or have New Orleans"
Patrick Willis will play Sunday if healthy
December 30
San Jose Mercury News
 
"Looking to clinch the NFC playoffs' No. 2 seed and a first-round bye, the 49ers (12-3) could be enticed to play Pro Bowl linebacker Patrick Willis on Sunday at St. Louis (2-13). "This is a game we have to win," defensive coordinator Vic Fangio said Thursday. "If he's healthy enough to play, he'll play. He looks fine to me right now." Willis has been sidelined with a right hamstring strain since Dec. 4, when the 49ers shut out the Rams 26-0 and clinched the NFC West. Willis practiced in limited fashion for a second straight day, and he's said he is on a "day to day" evaluation with trainers. Larry Grant has started the past three games in place of Willis and forced a game-clinching fumble"
Patrick Willis practices, could possibly play Saturday
December 23
Sacramento Bee
 
"The 49ers on Thursday enjoyed a sight they hadn't experienced since Dec. 3: Patrick Willis, in his uniform and helmet, taking part in practice.The 49ers' star inside linebacker was listed as "limited" on the team's practice participation report, which means there is a possibility he could play in Saturday's game against the Seattle Seahawks.Willis, who did not take part in Wednesday's session, has been in street clothes for the 49ers' recent games against Arizona and Pittsburgh after injuring his hamstring against the St. Louis Rams on Dec. 4. The 49ers will have to weigh the importance of having their defensive centerpiece for an important game against the risk of his aggravating the"
Patrick Willis thinks he'll play in Seattle
December 23
San Francisco Chronicle
 
"It appears the 49ers could receive an early Christmas present: Patrick Willis. For the first time since he sustained a Grade 2 hamstring strain against the Rams on Dec. 4, San Francisco's All-Pro linebacker took part in practice Thursday. Willis was a limited participant in the non-contact session. On Tuesday, Willis, speaking to reporters for the first time since his injury, said he was hopeful he could return Saturday when the Niners visit Seattle. In Willis' absence, Larry Grant has played well, collecting 16 tackles and defending five passes in two starts. Ginn still sidelined: After sealing a season-opening 33-17 win against the Seahawks with two fourth-quarter returns for touchdowns,"
Patrick Willis unlikely to play Monday night
December 18
Pro Football Talk
 
"The Steelers probably won't be the only team missing a key linebacker on Monday night. Patrick Willis didn't practice all week for the 49ers because of the hamstring injury he suffered two Sunday ago. While Willis is listed as questionable, a league source tells PFT's Mike Florio that Willis is doubtful to play."
Pittsburgh Steelers' James Harrison won't play Monday, but what about the 49ers' Patrick Willis?
December 17
San Jose Mercury News
 
"It's looking more likely that Monday night's game between the 49ers and Pittsburgh Steelers will be missing two of the NFL's premier linebackers, the 49ers' Patrick Willis and the Steelers' James Harrison. The NFL upheld Harrison's one-game suspension for his repeated offenses against quarterbacks, and Willis hasn't practiced since straining his lower right hamstring Dec. 4. If Willis misses his second straight game, could that mean he won't return until the playoffs? If so, has defensive coordinator Vic Fangio seen enough of a Willis-less defense to feel OK about resting him the next three games? "Whenever Patrick's ready to play, whether it be this week or next week, he'll be ready to"
Patrick Willis still unable to practice because of strained hamstring
December 16
San Jose Mercury News
 
"The Pittsburgh Steelers might not be the only one missing a star linebacker in Monday night's game at Candlestick. Patrick Willis' status remains unclear after he did not practice Thursday with the 49ers. Willis instead rehabilitated his strained right hamstring on a side field with trainers, as was the case last week. Willis got hurt in the first quarter of a Dec. 4 shutout of St. Louis and did not play in Sunday's 21-19 loss at Arizona. Although he's been seen stretching his hamstring, it's unclear if he has started running on his reported Grade II strain. Willis isn't the only prominent 49ers starter who did not practice. Left tackle Joe Staley has not been medically cleared after"
Dr. David Chang on Patrick Willis' injury
December 8
San Francisco Chronicle
 
"ESPN reported that linebacker Patrick Wilis has a grade 2 strain of his hamstring. For clarification, I spoke with Oakland orthopedic surgeon David Chang on exactly what that means. "Picture a bundle of fibers or twine," Dr Chang said, "in a strain of the muscles the fibers start to separate." Chang repaired the shattered leg of then Jets running back Leon Washington after he broke his leg when playing against the Raiders in 2009. Washington has since resumed a successful career as a running back and kick returner in Seattle."
Willis' status for Sunday uncertain
December 6
Sacramento Bee
 
"Jim Harbaugh was in mum's-the-word mode Monday when it came to Patrick Willis and his sore right hamstring. Harbaugh said he hadn't received the results of the MRI of Willis' leg, hadn't spoken to Willis and didn't know how long the injured linebacker would be out of action. "It's hard to say with any injury, including a hamstring," said Harbaugh, who is very stingy when it comes to releasing injury information. Willis' teammates were more forthcoming."
Patrick Willis injured
December 4
San Francisco Chronicle
 
"Linebacker Patrick Willis pulled his right hamstring after missing a tackle on former 49er fullback Britt Miller. His return to the game is doubtful. Former Ram Larry Grant is replacing him. After missing the tackle on Miller, Willis stayed on the field for several moments and then walked off slowly without assistance. Defensive end Ray McDonald missed a game earlier this season with a hamstring injury and only missed one game. Who knows how long Willis will be out, but he might need longer to recover than a defensive linemen because he uses his speed more than McDonald."
Willis lags in tackles, focuses on wins
November 4
Sacramento Bee
 
"For the first time in his career, Patrick Willis lags behind a teammate in tackles. Through seven games, fellow inside linebacker NaVorro Bowman is second in the league with 68 tackles. Willis is No. 25 with 54, tying him with Houston's Brian Cushing. For years, tackles have been an easy way to gauge Willis' success. He led the NFL his rookie season and did it again two years later in 2009. But this year, Willis says he is far more interested in a category that has eluded him since he entered the league – wins. "At the end of the day, I've done all that," Willis said. "Whether it's leading the league or it's leading the team in tackles. To me, the most important thing is winning, and"
Patrick Willis' dip in tackles not a problem
November 4
San Francisco Chronicle
 
"In his first four seasons in the NFL, 49ers linebacker Patrick Willis twice led the NFL in tackles and he never finished out of the league's top 10. That was great. But wins are better. That was Willis' message Thursday when asked about his stats from this season. Willis ranks 25th in the league in tackles (54) and has 14 fewer than teammate NaVorro Bowman, who ranks second in the NFL. "It's not about the tackles or sacks or the stats," said Willis, who is on pace for a career-low 123 tackles. "It's about winning, and that's what we're doing and that's what I'm all for." Willis' dip in tackles doesn't necessarily mean he's experienced a drop in production. In the Niners' 3-4 defense under"
The players have spoken: Willis, Gore are team captains
September 4
Sacramento Bee
 
"Frank Gore and Patrick Willis will serve as team captains for the 49ers this year, coach Jim Harbaugh announced on a conference call. In two previous seasons, Mike Singletary picked six captains, and last year appointed starting quarterback Alex Smith one of them. This year, Harbaugh put it to a player vote, and the winners were Willis, who has made the Pro Bowl in each of his previous three seasons, and Gore, who signed a three-year contract extension earlier this week. That Gore was voted to the offensive captaincy speaks to his popularity in the locker room and to the importance of the 49ers taking care of him with a contract extension. It also is notable after Smith organized and ran"
49ers hone Patrick Willis' pass-rushing skills
August 10
San Francisco Chronicle
 
"Vic Fangio has coached some of the best linebackers in NFL history, a group that includes Ray Lewis, Rickey Jackson, Kevin Greene and Sam Mills. Now, in the latest stop in his 25-year NFL career, San Francisco's defensive coordinator has inherited Patrick Willis, the only player in 49ers history to earn All-Pro honors in three of his first four seasons. Fangio's first impressions? The man who's worked with the very best said Tuesday that San Francisco's best linebacker can get better by polishing his pass-rush skills. Specifically, Willis needs to become more effective at beating the blocks of pass-protecting running backs. "He's got to improve his technique," Fangio said. "He's behind as"
Patrick Willis embraces new role as a blitzing linebacker
August 10
San Jose Mercury News
 
"The right sleeve of Patrick Willis' white undershirt didn't survive Tuesday's practice. It got torn to shreds while the Pro Bowl linebacker was engaged in a crash course on one of his few unfamiliar skillsets: Blitzing. "They've got me coming a lot more than I have in the past," Willis said. "If I'm going to blitz, I've got to be able to win. I want to be able to do it, and do it well." Defensive coordinator Vic Fangio is installing a blitz-friendly scheme that should add another facet to Willis' already dominant repertoire. "He's even better than I thought he was in most areas," Fangio said, "and we need to make him a better blitzer right now. "It would complete his game." That is a scary"
Willis urges team to re-sign Spikes
January 1
Sacramento Bee
 
"If Patrick Willis were the 49ers' general manager - and, no, he's not a candidate - his first order of business would be to sign teammate Takeo Spikes to a contract extension. "If they were to ask me at this very moment, (I'd say), 'What do I need to do to make that happen?' " Willis said of re-signing Spikes, who is scheduled to become an unrestricted free agent. "He's a guy that still has football left in him. I mean, you all have seen him - the guy plays unbelievable." Indeed, Spikes, who turned 34 in December, seemed to have discovered a fountain of youth in his 13th season. He ranks second on the team behind Willis with 106 tackles, which, with one game remaining, already is his"
Patrick Willis: Missing finale 'hurts'
December 31
San Francisco Chronicle
 
"His playoff dreams were crushed, his head coach was fired, his hand was rebroken - how could this week possibly get worse for 49ers inside linebacker Patrick Willis? Easy. The team doctor looked at Willis' hand X-rays and declared he needed surgery again and would miss Sunday's season finale against the visiting Cardinals. "Little did I know I was gonna get that look after the X-ray," Willis said Thursday, his right hand wrapped for safety. "I was all laughing, thinking everything was good. ... I'm like, 'Surgery? What does that mean? I'm gonna get to play.' "And he's like, 'No, we can't let you.' " Consider that one last kick in the head for a season full of them. Willis will miss a start"
Injured Willis out Sunday -- his iron man streak ends at 63 games
December 30
Sacramento Bee
 
"Patrick Willis' iron-man streak will end at 63 games. Interim coach Jim Tomsula said Wednesday that Willis had a second surgery earlier this week on his broken right hand and will not play in Sunday's finale against Arizona. With rookie Keaton Kristick (concussion) also out, another rookie, NaVorro Bowman, will start the game next to Takeo Spikes. Bowman mostly has played behind Spikes at the "Ted" position this year but practiced at "Mike" linebacker during the offseason. The 49ers also signed rookie Alex Joseph off the Panthers' practice squad. Joseph (6-foot-2, 240 pounds) has spent time with the Packers and Raiders (practice squad) this season. Willis broke his hand Dec. 12 and had"
49ers LB Willis will miss season finale; Alex Smith will start at quarterback
December 30
San Jose Mercury News
 
"So long, Patrick Willis. Welcome back, Alex Smith. That was the news Wednesday as the 49ers prepared for their season finale against the Arizona Cardinals. Interim coach Jim Tomsula announced that Willis, the four-time Pro Bowl selection, would sit out Sunday in the wake of a second medical procedure on the linebacker's broken hand. It will mark the first missed game of Willis' career. He has started 63 consecutive times since entering the league in 2007. Willis declined an interview request saying, "I don't want to talk about it." Rookie NaVorro Bowman will start in his place against the Cardinals. The 49ers' other inside linebacker Takeo Spikes, who is also playing with a broken hand,"
49ers' Willis makes fourth Pro Bowl in a row
December 29
Sacramento Bee
 
"Patrick Willis is going to his fourth consecutive Pro Bowl, and the 49ers inside linebacker said this season's honor was the most difficult to achieve. Willis again leads the 49ers in tackles (128), but he said he has found more blockers between him and ballcarriers this season. He also has played the last two games with a bulky cast covering a surgically repaired broken right hand. "I think just because it's my fourth season, and all of a sudden (offenses) are finding ways to get you off your game," said Willis, who also leads the 49ers with six sacks. Joining Willis in Honolulu for the Jan. 30 game will be defensive end Justin Smith, who is second on the 49ers with 5 1/2 sacks. Tight end"
49ers land two on Pro Bowl team; Justin Smith joins Patrick Willis
December 29
San Jose Mercury News
 
"Linebacker Patrick Willis and defensive lineman Justin Smith were selected to the NFC roster in Pro Bowl voting announced today. Willis becomes the first 49ers player to make a Pro Bowl in each of his first four seasons since Hall of Fame safety Ronnie Lott. "Mr. Ronnie Lott is a guy who has done it for a long time. And when people mention my name in the same category as his, it's truly an honor,'' Willis said. "He's a guy who has been there and done it. I'm still a young player trying to learn as I go." Willis seems plenty established to the rest of the NFL. The 49ers credit him with 153 tackles this season, including a career-high six sacks. He has started all 63 games since being the"
Fired 49ers coach Mike Singletary gives Pro Bowl linebacker Patrick Willis one last pep talk
December 28
San Jose Mercury News
 
"Linebacker Patrick Willis, a three-time Pro Bowler who probably has more in common with coach Mike Singletary than anyone else on the 49ers, saw the news on his computer screen not long after getting home from St. Louis. Singletary, Willis' first position coach as an NFL player and a role model in that he was a humble, earnest Pro Football Hall of Fame player as a linebacker, had been fired. "I called him right away, because I wanted to hear it from him rather than hear it on the news, so we talked briefly," Willis said Monday. "It was sad. He said, 'I'm not going to coach you any more, continue to lead this team and never forget the fundamentals of the game. They'll take you far and the"
Willis, Spikes play with broken hands
December 17
Sacramento Bee
 
"Linebacker Patrick Willis started his 62nd consecutive game Thursday despite having a pin inserted in his broken hand just three days earlier. Willis did not practice in the run-up to the game after breaking his hand early in Sunday's win over the Seahawks. He did not leave that game until all of the defensive starters were removed in the fourth quarter of the lopsided victory. Willis' fellow inside linebacker, Takeo Spikes, also broke his right hand early in the Seahawks game when it was struck by an opponent's helmet. Spikes, who has led the 49ers in tackles in the last three games, did not have surgery but like Willis wore a bulky black club Thursday to protect the hand. Spikes finished"
49ers linebacker Patrick Willis plays despite broken hand
December 17
San Jose Mercury News
 
"Patrick Willis took the field Thursday night just three days after surgery on his broken hand. The procedure had been kept under wraps all week, but the team confirmed an NFL Network report shortly before kickoff that Willis underwent a procedure to put a pin in his right hand. Takeo Spikes, the 49ers' other inside linebacker, also played against the Chargers despite a broken hand, but his injury did not require surgery. The duo fared fine -- Spikes was credited with a team-best 12 tackles, and Willis had eight -- but they acknowledged the limitations of playing with bulky casts on their hands. "It's not the same,'' Willis said. "You're not able to shed guys or push them like you want to."
Willis plays 3 days after surgery
December 17
San Francisco Chronicle
 
"Pro Bowl inside linebacker Patrick Willis had surgery to insert a pin in his broken right hand Monday. That didn't keep the 49ers' captain from starting Thursday's game against the Chargers, even if it meant playing with a bulky, black cast up to his forearm. Willis made his 62nd consecutive start since the 49ers drafted him in 2007, keeping him as one of three members of his rookie class to never miss a start. Inside linebacker Takeo Spikes also played with an oversized club/cast on his broken right hand, but he did not require surgery. The team's top-two tacklers were both injured during Sunday's 41-20 victory over Seattle. Willis also broke his right hand halfway through his rookie year"
Patrick Willis, Takeo Spikes grappling with hand injuries
December 15
San Jose Mercury News
 
"Between the two of them, Patrick Willis and Takeo Spikes have more than 200 tackles this season. On Thursday, they will combine for two good hands. The 49ers' starting inside linebackers reported for practice Tuesday wearing bulky casts. Willis and Spikes might have broken right hands -- they wouldn't say -- and neither committed to being ready to face the San Diego Chargers. "I don't know. It got banged up pretty good," Willis said. "Right now, it's still under evaluation. We're going to see." Spikes, echoing that sentiment nearly word for word, said: "I don't know, man. It's banged up pretty good. Just right now, it's day to day, just trying to see what we can do to hopefully get ready"
Patrick Willis, Takeo Spikes wear casts
December 15
San Francisco Chronicle
 
"Inside linebackers Patrick Willis and Takeo Spikes made enough circus catches before practice Tuesday to merit a big-top nickname. Behold, the One-Armed Bandits, able to make interceptions with one hand tied inside their casts! If Spikes and Willis can help beat the Chargers on Thursday, it will be amazing indeed, seeing they must make do with club-like soft casts on their injured right hands. "Might break the interception streak," said Spikes, who has two pickoffs in three games. "It means I have to practice snagging with one hand, the left hand." Hand casts are normally for broken hands, not that Spikes or Willis will share their medical charts. They prefer to use the layman's term"
49ers' Willis runs into tackle roadblock
October 24
Sacramento Bee
 
"When the 49ers visited the Carolina Panthers in 2007, then-rookie Patrick Willis was coming off an 18-tackle performance against Arizona that made him the league's Defensive Player of the Week. He celebrated with another 18 tackles against the Panthers. Those halcyon days of gaudy tackle numbers, however, appear to be disappearing for the 49ers' defensive captain, who has found decidedly more obstacles between him and the ballcarrier in 2010. Willis finished with 10 tackles in the season opener against Seattle, but that's the only time he has reached double digits this season. Through six games, he's averaging 7.8 tackles a game, three fewer than his rookie average. He's tied for 15th in"
Patrick Willis says players shouldn't be punished for making all-out efforts
October 21
San Jose Mercury News
 
"Patrick Willis, one of the game's most prolific tacklers, is baffled by the NFL's tough new stance on violent hits. "It's crazy. I mean, $75,000 for going out and hitting the guy?" the 49ers linebacker said Wednesday. "I thought that's what you're supposed to do. I thought as a defensive guy, you're supposed to hit, and as an offensive guy, you're supposed to avoid (being hit). "If your quarterback leads you right where the defender is, then you should take that up with the quarterback. Another guy shouldn't get in trouble or fined or get a flag for just playing football." Willis said he was stunned Tuesday when news of three big fines rolled across the bottom of his TV screen. Pittsburgh"
Opponents key on 49ers linebacker Patrick Willis
October 21
San Francisco Chronicle
 
"Patrick Willis admits it. The 49ers' inside linebacker hasn't been his playmaking self this season, though not for a lack of trying. It's just that teams are making sure an oversized offensive lineman blocks the three-time Pro Bowler on most every play. "I remember there were times when I could just stack and run and ... most of the times you never get touched," Willis said Wednesday. "Now, you're starting to feel it from every angle. They say, 'We have to put a hat on one of the best players at all times,' and they're doing that. "It's been a little frustrating not having the big plays that I've wanted to have." By no means has Willis gone in the tank since becoming the highest-paid"
Run defense and Willis appear to be losing a step
October 16
San Francisco Chronicle
 
"Run defense is one of many areas plaguing the winless 49ers. The defense builds its scheme around stopping the run, and last year the 49ers ranked sixth in fewest rushing yards allowed. This season, they have dropped to 18th, which could be significant Sunday when the Raiders come to Candlestick Park with their seventh-ranked run game. The 49ers' defense is designed to funnel runs to linebacker Patrick Willis, who has led the league two of the last three seasons in tackles. But so far this season, Willis is tied for 16th in stops with 41 - 12 tackles behind Panthers outside linebacker James Anderson, the league leader. Not only is Willis not making as many tackles, the ones he does make"
Willis came to Smith's defense after first game
September 25
San Francisco Chronicle
 
"Alex Smith looked secure in the pocket Monday night throwing for 275 yards against the Saints. It might have had something to do with the off-field support he's getting from his teammates. After head coach Mike Singletary called out the team, and specifically Smith, in the locker room after the 49ers' 31-6 opening loss in Seattle, linebacker Patrick Willis stood up and supported his fellow team captain. Willis told the team no one should judge Smith until they looked at the film. "I've been in that situation before, and I know how he feels," Willis said Friday. "It looked bad from a fan's perspective. ... But did the receivers run the wrong route? Did the offensive line get the right"
Willis gets shot to silence ex-teammate Dexter McCluster
September 24
San Jose Mercury News
 
"Dexter McCluster's trash talk for the 49ers-Chiefs game began last winter, before the game was on the schedule and before McCluster was even on a roster. The draft prospect took the podium at the NFL scouting combine and recounted the day he made Mississippi teammate Patrick Willis "look a little silly" with a juke move during drills. McCluster added that he was ready to do it to Willis in the NFL, too. "I have a little more experience under my belt," McCluster said, "So I hope he's ready." He's ready. Having led the NFL in tackles over the past three seasons, Willis sounded unfazed about facing his former college teammate Sunday at Arrowhead Stadium. Willis wasn't exactly pining for a"
Willis gives Favre a harsh welcome back
August 23
San Francisco Chronicle
 
"It took Brett Favre all summer to decide he'd play football again. Patrick Willis helped end Favre's night after one series. Willis brought the rush to Favre on the Vikings' third play of the game for a 10-yard sack with teammate Takeo Spikes closing as well. Willis considered it payback for a downfield block Favre threw on him in a Week 3 loss last season. "He's a wise old vet," Willis said after Sunday's 15-10 victory over the Vikings at Candlestick. "I guess he was like, 'This is a little too much for me right now just coming back.' I guess a lot of people thought he shouldn't have played. "I was happy to be out there myself." Willis played two series with the starting defense, and made"
Willis lays out Favre
August 23
Sacramento Bee
 
"Brett Favre might have hogged the spotlight in Sunday's nationally televised game, but Patrick Willis and the 49ers' defense did their best to wrestle it away. The most lasting image of Favre, the Vikings' quarterback who ended another short-lived retirement last week, involved him backpedaling as Willis and teammates burst up the middle for a sack. Favre completed his first pass attempt, a swing pass to running back Adrian Peterson that Peterson turned upfield for 13 yards. But he was sacked by Willis on the Vikings' third offensive play and the drive ended in a punt. He gave way to Tarvaris Jackson on the next series. Willis, meanwhile, gained some national exposure three years ago when"
49ers LB Patrick Willis makes dream come true for young cancer patient
May 19
San Jose Mercury News
 
"When the 49ers signed Patrick Willis to a big contract extension, the team said he symbolized what they wanted out of a player, on the field and off. On Tuesday, Willis provided Exhibit A of what they were talking about. Make that Exhibit A+. Brandon Dale, a 15-year-old kid from Santa Clara was on hand to watch practice as a guest of the team. Brandon is a big 49ers fan. Willis is his favorite player. Brandon also has an advanced stage of terminal liver cancer. His father, Andy, said doctors "are not optimistic that he will be with us for much longer." Andy also said that "because of the cancer, (Brandon) is bitter and very unhappy and has been very depressed and hopeless." And then came"
Linebackers Rolando McClain of Raiders and Patrick Willis of 49ers keys to any title run
May 6
Oakland Tribune
 columnist Cam Inman
"There is no inside linebacker I would rather have in the NFL than the 49ers' Patrick Willis. There is no other player I would have drafted eighth overall for the Raiders last month than inside linebacker Rolando McClain. But I don't know how important that inside linebacker position is in today's pass-happy NFL. It doesn't even rank in my top five or six critical positions, those being: quarterback, pass-rushing end, left tackle, cornerback and either defensive tackle or marquee receiver, whether that is a tight end or wideout. Willis might have the capacity to reclassify inside linebacker in the NFL world order, hence his five-year, $50 million contract extension Tuesday. Hopefully, at"
49ers' Willis agrees to $50 million extension
May 5
San Francisco Chronicle
 
"Mike Singletary made the Pro Football Hall of Fame as a middle linebacker. He coached future Hall of Fame linebacker Ray Lewis before coming to the 49ers. Keep that in mind when Singletary had this to say about Niners inside linebacker Patrick Willis, who agreed to a five-year contract extension worth up to $50 million Tuesday. "Before it is all said and done, he may go down as one of the best to play the position," Singletary said. Much of that saying and doing will be done in a 49ers uniform, now that the 49ers have made Willis the highest-paid inside linebacker in NFL history. With two years left on his rookie contract, Willis is now signed through the 2016 season. His $10 million per"
49ers extend Willis' deal for 5 years, $50 million
May 5
Contra Costa Times
 
"Patrick Willis filled out a questionnaire a few years ago that asked him whether he would rather be rich or a Hall of Famer. As it turns out, the answer might be "C. All of the above." The 49ers on Tuesday added a five-year, $50 million extension to the two years remaining on Willis' rookie deal. The extension includes almost $29 million in guaranteed money and makes Willis the highest-paid inside linebacker in NFL history. He is now under contract through 2016. "He embodies everything we want, on the field and off," coach Mike Singletary said. Willis, 25, recalled Tuesday that while filling out that survey years ago, he checked the box marked "Hall of Fame." Such lofty goals are part of"
Willis signs five-year extension
May 4
San Francisco Chronicle
 
"In possibly the best news for 49ers fan this offseason, the 49ers signed Pro Bowl linebacker Patrick Willis to a five-year contract extension. Terms of the deal aren't official, but it's said to potentially be worth $50 million. The 49ers are planning a news conference with Willis this afternoon. "I am very proud of what Pat has been able to accomplish," 49ers coach Mike Singletary in a statement. "He is the epitome of what a 49er is all about. Pat has had to overcome a lot in his life and has maintained the ability to stay focused on his goals. Before it is all said and done, he may go down as one of the best to play the position. I am thankful that our organization has realized Pat is"
49ers sign Willis to contract extension
May 4
San Jose Mercury News
 
"Patrick Willis made the Pro Bowl in each of his first three seasons. The 49ers believe there is plenty more to come, which is why they gave the linebacker a five-year, $50 million contract extension Tuesday. Willis, 25, ranks among the game's best players. He was the NFL defensive rookie of the year in 2007 and winner of the Butkus Award as pro football's best linebacker in 2009. He is also the first 49er to make the Pro Bowl in each of his first three seasons since Ronnie Lott."
Willis won't play in Pro Bowl
January 30
San Francisco Chronicle
 
"Patrick Willis, the 49ers' All-Pro linebacker, won't play in Sunday's Pro Bowl in Miami because of swelling in his right knee described as bursitis. It's not believed to be serious. Willis, in Miami practicing with his NFC teammates, felt discomfort in the knee on Thursday. He will be replaced by Carolina's Jon Beason. Willis has been selected to the Pro Bowl each of his three seasons, and, for the second time, he led the NFL in tackles."
No Pro Bowl for 49ers' Patrick Willis
January 30
San Jose Mercury News
 
"A minor knee injury will keep Patrick Willis from making his third consecutive Pro Bowl appearance Sunday in South Florida. The 49ers linebacker bowed out Friday and will be replaced in the NFC lineup by the Carolina Panthers' Jon Beason Willis has right-knee bursitis, which will require no medical treatment beyond rest, a team spokesman said. He added that Willis would play if it were a regular-season game. Nate Breske, one of the 49ers' trainers, is on hand in Fort Lauderdale."
Players' view of the playoff field
January 5
San Francisco Chronicle
 columnist Gwen Knapp
"Patrick Willis looked at the brackets for the NFL playoffs and slipped into a bittersweet fantasy. "I was saying to myself: 'Wow, if we were in that bracket right now, we would give any team a run for their money,' " he said after cleaning out his locker at the 49ers' headquarters Monday. "But unfortunately, we're not. That's just the way it is. I don't know if I'll watch it that much. I really don't care that much." The reverie seems a bit delusional. The 49ers did lose by only three points against Minnesota and by four points against Indianapolis, but scaring those teams did not place the 49ers in the same peer group. They had guest passes to the NFL's country club, and for those two"
49ers fight to stay positive after loss to Titans
November 9
San Jose Mercury News
 columnist Tim Kawakami
"Mike Singletary's band of brothers is in trouble, and it knows it's in trouble. Sunday, you could see Singletary and the 49ers players start to sweat. You could feel the nerves jangling. You could sense a nervous hush creeping over the entire franchise. After the 49ers' dispiriting 34-27 home loss to Tennessee — their fourth consecutive loss — you could hear some of the passion evaporate from their words. Why wouldn't it? They have believed. And it is not, as of yet, coming true. "We're still going to stay positive," linebacker Patrick Willis said. "Nobody's going to point the finger at any side of the ball, not at the special teams, not at the coaches. We're just going to continue to"