Former NFL linebacker Patrick Willis will forever be a fan-favorite among the Niner Faithful. He spent eight seasons with the San Francisco 49ers and racked up 950 tackles, 20.5 sacks, 53 passes defensed, eight interceptions, two touchdowns, and 16 forced fumbles before retiring after the 2014 season.
Willis spoke with Greg Papa of KNBR — and the voice of the 49ers — over the weekend and briefly discussed San Francisco's current group of linebackers, which has designated itself the "Hot Boyzz."
"Right now, I'm seeing guys who are playing with relentless effort," Willis told Papa. "They're getting after the quarterback. They're just playing good, sound, fundamental football, which is what is needed in the NFL, especially to win games."
Willis was also asked about the 49ers' impressive defensive front this season, which is terrorizing opposing quarterbacks.
"When I see these guys now, it's like everything is coming together," he said. "They had first-round picks here and there. I know, the last few years, a lot of people wasn't sure about their picks. But now, to see them all playing together as they are, from the defensive line to the linebackers, even the DBs, you just see them, they're all playing amazing. You would think they were all first-round picks from the D-line to the secondary."
You can listen to Papa's entire conversation with Willis below. The former linebacker also discussed his time with the 49ers, playing with NaVorro Bowman, and comparing his past defenses with San Francisco's current unit.
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