Ex-49ers LB Patrick Willis: ‘I haven’t thought twice about NFL return’
Former San Francisco 49ers linebacker Patrick Willis rejected a report that he would return to the NFL in 2016.
On Thursday, Willis posted a response to the claim on his Twitter page:
“I MADE MY DECISION BACK IN APRIL. AND I HAVEN'T THOUGHT TWICE ABOUT . . . PLAYING ANOTHER DOWN IN THE NFL...PERIOD‼‼‼,” the message said. “SO QUIT TRYING TO BRING LIFE; on a CHAPTER that I have already CLOSED IN MY HEART and MIND.”
Willis, 30, announced his retirement in March. At the time of his announcement, Willis still had two years remaining on a five-year, $50 million contract that he signed in 2010. He will turn 31 in January.
Willis played in six games for San Francisco in 2014, recording 29 tackles and one interception before being placed on injured reserve in November with a toe injury.
Willis started 112 games in his NFL career and recorded 20.5 sacks with 16 forced fumbles, eight interceptions and five fumble recoveries. He made the Pro Bowl in each of his first seven NFL seasons, and was a five-time first team All Pro selection.
The 49ers are 3–6 this season, and will play the Seattle Seahawks in Week 11 after their Week 10 bye.
- Christopher Chavez and Beth Maiman
