Patrick Willis closes door on NFL return rumors
Nov 12, 2015 at 10:18 AM
•
Well, that was short-lived. Earlier today, Bleacher Report's Jason Cole reported that, per a source, ex-San Francisco 49ers LB Patrick Willis may be considering a return to the NFL.
It sounded too good to be true and shortly after the original report, Willis responded and made it clear that a return is not on his mind. He had the following to say on Instagram.
I MADE MY DECISION BACK IN APRIL AND I HAVEN'T THOUGHT TWICE ABOUT IT; NOR PLAYING ANOTHER DOWN IN THE NFL...PERIOD!!!...SO QUIT TRYING TO BRING LIFE; on a CHAPTER that I have already CLOSED IN MY HEART and MIND...MY FOCUS IS IN THE PERFCT PLACE RIGHT NOW AND THAT IS ALL THAT MATTERS TO ME...My PURPOSE 4Life IS SO MUCH BIGGER THAN FOOTBALL; FOR I AM GRATEFUL FOR THE TIME I WAS BLESSED TO PLAY ....IN THE GREAT WORDS OF 2-PAC #LIFEGOESON
"Patrick Willis is considering a comeback. Now he's not definitely going to do it. He's still dealing with the toe issue that knocked him out for his career this last offseason," Cole had originally said while citing a source.
Willis' retirement was a shock to fans who were looking forward to seeing him once again paired up with LB NaVorro Bowman. Bowman returned from a devastating ACL and MCL injury and has played well this season for the 49ers.
Willis was drafted by the 49ers with the 11th overall selection in 2007. He spent eight seasons with the 49ers and was selected to seven Pro Bowls, was a first-team All-Pro five times, and was the AP Defensive Rookie of the Year. During his career, he had 950 tackles, 20.5 quarterback sacks, eight interceptions, 16 forced fumbles, and two touchdowns.
Willis retired from the NFL in March.
LISTEN
Facebook Comments
More San Francisco 49ers News
"49ers look like the NFL's most complete team": Where San Francisco stands in Week 4 power rankings
The undefeated Miami Dolphins' 70-20 win over the winless Denver Broncos has shot them to the top of multiple power rankings. However, for most, the San Francisco 49ers sit in the top spot.
Also undefeated and sitting atop the NFC West standings, the 49ers are coming off a 30-12 win over the New York Giants. The team is so well-rounded, and Brock Purdy continues to rack up the wins as the starting quarterback.
San Francisco has started the regular season 3-0 for the ninth time in franchise history and has now won 13 consecutive regular-season games dating back to Week 8 of last season. It's the longest active streak in the NFL and the second-longest winning streak in franchise
49ers RB Christian McCaffrey wins second consecutive FedEx Ground NFL Player of the Week award
Christian McCaffrey is on a roll. In addition to racking up yards and San Francisco 49ers wins on the football field, the running back has been named the FedEx Ground Player of the Week for the second consecutive week.
With his victory, McCaffrey joins Derrick Henry, Josh Jacobs, Dalvin Cook, and Rashaad Penny as the only active players with back-to-back FedEx Ground Player of the Week victories in their careers.
McCaffrey rushed for 116 yards on 20 carries (5.8-yard average) and a rushing touchdown in Week 2's win over the Los Angeles Rams, and his 268 rushing yards through the first two weeks of the season
Why Steve Young believes NFL QBs are jealous of 49ers' Brock Purdy
Brock Purdy is a lucky NFL quarterback. At least, that is what San Francisco 49ers icon Steve Young believes. The Hall of Fame quarterback isn't talking about Purdy's rise from Mr. Irrelevant, the last overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft. He's talking about the situation that Purdy fell into after the Niners selected him.
Purdy entered his rookie season as the third quarterback on the 49ers' depth chart. Injuries forced him into the starting lineup by Week 13, and the then-rookie helped guide San Francisco to the NFC Championship Game.
The 49ers own one of the most talented rosters in the NFL. They are genuine Super Bowl contenders, which means Purdy isn't going to be called upon to carry the offense so long as he can play efficient football.
"In the
49ers Notebook: Deebo is no longer "awful"; Ronnie Bell makes a splash; J.J. Watt praises Niners; Captain Andrew Luck makes Levi's cameo
Thursday night was a fun one at Levi's Stadium, where the San Francisco 49ers cruised to a 30-12 victory over the visiting New York Giants. It was a night that saw wide receiver Deebo Samuel declare himself as officially out of "awful" mode, running back Christian McCaffrey reach milestones, wide receiver Ronnie Bell create some lasting memories, and -- of all things -- Andrew Luck making a return to an NFL field (in full Civil War costume) to take part in a game of trivia.
Let's recap all that and more in this version of 49ers Notebook.
Not awful anymore
Back in June, Deebo Samuel caught some attention with his honest description of his 2022 performance
