In the words of the San Francisco 49ers, it's "about damn time."
Former 49ers and Ole Miss Rebels linebacker Patrick Willis is officially part of the Pro Football Hall of Fame, earning a spot in the induction class of 2024. Willis, a mainstay in Oxford and then San Francisco, put up a stellar defensive career at both levels that led to his induction on Thursday night.
Hall of Famer Bryant Young was tasked with informing Willis of his induction to the prestigious fraternity, and the moment was captured on video. You can view the clip below.
Willis is obviously emotional when he receives the news, and why wouldn't he be? Since becoming eligible five years ago, he has endured being named a finalist for the honor three times until he finally broke through this week.
A native of Bruceton, Tenn., Willis played for Ole Miss from 2003-06 before being selected by the San Francisco 49ers No. 11 overall in the 2007 NFL Draft, after which he spent his entire eight-year pro career in San Fran.
While in college, Willis accumulated 177 solo tackles and a whopping 265 total tackles alongside six sacks and two forced fumbles.
He registered 732 solo tackles, forced 16 fumbles and intercepted eight passes while in the pros. He is already a member of the San Francisco 49ers Hall of Fame, and he was named to seven Pro Bowls and was the NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year in 2007.
The Ole Miss legend was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2019, becoming one of 10 Rebels to be admitted as a player or coach, and was also part of the 2023 Southeastern Conference Football Legends class. Willis led the SEC in tackles twice, was named a consensus All-American his senior year, and was awarded the Conerly Trophy that same season.
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