Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports

Patrick Willis' Hall of Fame wait comes to an end

Originally posted on A to Z Sports | By Nicholas McGee | Last updated Feb 8, 2024 11:31 PM ET

Patrick Willis need wait no longer.

The San Francisco 49ers linebacker was confirmed as a member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame class for 2024 on Thursday at NFL Honors. Willis was informed by 49ers Hall of Famer and member of the 1994 Super Bowl-winning team Bryant Young.

It sees Willis, the heartbeat of the Niners throughout his impeccable eight-season career, finally receive his due for dominance that was only interrupted by a toe injury that eventually forced him to retire in 2015.

Willis made the Pro Bowl in each of his first seven seasons in the NFL. He was a five-time first-team All-Pro and twice led the NFL in tackles, including as a rookie in 2007 after being selected 11th overall in the first round.

About damn time. #PFHOF24 pic.twitter.com/JX8ORH73YJ
— San Francisco 49ers (@49ers) February 9, 2024

A member of the 2010s All-Decade team, the only blot on Willis' Hall of Fame resume beyond coming up short in the Super Bowl in 2013 was a lack of longevity.

But the selection committee has finally made the decision to put that to one side, meaning Willis will take his rightful place in Canton and receive his gold jacket, a richly deserved reward for one of the finest linebackers to ever grace the game.

This article first appeared on A to Z Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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