Patrick Willis was announced last week as one of this year's inductees into the Edward J. DeBartolo Sr. San Francisco 49ers Hall of Fame. The other is former wide receiver John Taylor. Willis was one the first of two first-round draft picks selected by the 49ers in 2007. The other was a young, wide-eyed offensive lineman out of Central Michigan — Joe Staley.
Staley, now retired, joined 95.7 The Game's The Morning Roast on Tuesday and was asked about his former teammate, Willis. While he is excited to see the 49ers preparing to honor Willis, the former tackle is a bit shocked that Willis isn't already in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
"First off, just incredibly well deserved," Staley said of Willis' induction into the 49ers Hall of Fame. "Patrick, one of my all-time favorite guys I got to play with there at the 49ers. For us to come in together, same draft class, and really just go through everything together, it's super well-deserved.
"And I think, hopefully, it's the start of many different Hall of Fames. You know, the big one (Pro Football Hall of Fame). I'm kind of surprised that he's not in that one yet as well, just because of how dominant he was as a player when he played with us ... our whole career together at the 49ers. He's a great dude, and I'm really happy (for him)."
For the second consecutive year, Willis failed to make the cutdown from 25 modern-era semifinalists for the Pro Football Hall of Fame to 15 finalists. While Willis was among the best at his position during his career, he only played for eight years, retiring due to injuries on March 10, 2015.
"Thinking back on a story, an individual story, I don't really have one," Staley continued. "It's just the way that he competed every single day. He was a tremendous leader from day one, when he got there. He got drafted and he just kind of took over. I don't think there was a specific story I can think back to. It's just like consistent, dominant play from day one."
Willis is a five-time first-team All-Pro, a seven-time Pro Bowl selection, and was the NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year in 2007. He twice (2007, 2009) led the league in tackles and, like Staley, is part of the NFL 2010s All-Decade Team.
Staley added that he was initially blown away by Willis during their first offseason together. The young linebacker immediately showed off his leadership and intelligence.
"He kind of showed everybody how to get it done early on," Staley said.
You can listen to the entire conversation with Staley below.
