Former San Francisco 49ers defensive lineman Bryant Young was among the 15 Pro Football Hall of Fame finalists announced today by the NFL. Much to the shock and disappointment of fans, former 49ers linebacker Patrick Willis' name was absent.
Willis was among the 25 players listed as modern-era semifinalists in November, but didn't make the recently trimmed-down list.
Former 49ers running back Ricky Watters (1991–94) also missed the cut, but it is Willis' absence that is particularly noticeable. Many considered him the best at the position during his playing days and a shoo-in to be a first-ballot Hall of Famer.
"I'm truly honored," Willis told Steve Wyche of NFL Network in November shortly after the list of semifinalists was released. "Just those names that you just named (Brian Urlacher, Mike Singletary, Dick Butkus) were guys that I looked up to before I got to the NFL, and just to be mentioned in the same story as them is just truly a blessing. I'm truly honored, and I'm grateful for it."
There was some debate whether or not Willis' shortened career would hinder his chances of being inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in his first year of eligibility. Now, it would seem, we know the answer.
The 49ers made Willis the No. 11 overall draft pick in 2007, and he spent eight seasons with San Francisco before retiring after the 2014 season. He was named to seven Pro Bowls and is a five-time first-team All-Pro.