Patrick Willis HOF Material?

Originally posted by NinerDreamer11:

Originally posted by BodhiPaddlesOut:
Turned his back on football. I doubt it.

He'll do good on the church circuit in the southeast though.

I'm already tired of hearing peoples comments on his Religion, if that's the only thing you have to go with, then you got nothing.


It's BS that everyone knocks on his beliefs like that, like that was was the ultimate reason he retired.

I understand people are frustrated with the retirement, but don't be knockin on his religion or belief's, has nothing to do with that.


The guy made it clear as to why he's retiring. deal with it, Time to move on.

Let's just hope Bowman comes back the beast he is, and Borland continues to grow.



#GODISGOOD

#AMEN

Originally posted by Jcool:
Barnwell and Mays both think Willis is a lock for the HOF. They talk about him in the beginning of the podcast.

http://espn.go.com/espnradio/play?id=12456727

They had 4 guys on nfl net "debate" that the other day, only 1 actually had a vote but all 4 said yes, saying for a 4 or 5 year stretch he wasn't just the best lb but maybe the best overall defensive player. He'll get in.

I hope Pat well. Thanks for the memories

http://www.49ersspin.com/2012/09/adrian-peterson-says-he-and-patrick.html

Yes he is dude should be in.

Retired too early to be in the HoF.

No SB win and early retirement I do not see it happening. I guess he saw the Niners chance of making another SB appearance was not going to happen any time soon.

Early buzz from sports writers (the ones who vote) seems to be that he'll probably make it despite the short career. Maybe not first ballot like he would have if he played at least two more seasons.

I'm glad. Like I said before, he's a borderline case, but I can also see how his consistently great play and positive personality can help push him over the top.

He may not get HOF but I don't want the guy to ruin his feet playing on. He's retired as a one team man, an almost perfect memory just missing a SB climax.

Originally posted by IdahoNiner:

Originally posted by OnTheClock:

Originally posted by bzborow1:
WTF is up with this poll? There is no doubt Patrick Willis is a hall of famer. 7 Pro Bowls in 8 seasons? Name me a better linebacker during those years? "Maybe" a prime Ray Lewis. That's it.

This poll should be closer to 100% and there is no question. The 49% who voted no are idiots.

Really surprised too. 7 Pro Bowls, and a five time All Pro, right? Played in a Super Bowl. I think he's worthy based on that, but time will tell if the media feels that is enough when he becomes eligible and they start looking at numbers, etc.

LOL. As i said a ways back, Pwilly is a LOCK for first ballot. I couldnt beleive this was an actual legit question let alone beleive the poll numbers when i came in this thread. Hell when i first came in here, the poll had the majority of votes saying NO. LOL. This thread...

more like, "these 'fans'..."

It's like people feel they are somehow more mature, objective, or "non-homer" if they continually downgrade the team they cheer for. If you are the best at your position for 5 years straight, you have to be a specialist (K, P, LS, KR, PR) or a FB to not get in. He was a monster. He tackled a RB he never touched by throwing his pulling guard at him! I saw run plays where THREE GUYS released upfield at WIllis! He owned the best RB in the game (AP) every time they went up against each other.He was regarded by none other than Bill Belichik as the best cover LB he'd seen, and the best man cover guy on our entire team (DBs included). He unselfishly switched to Strong Side ILB at Fangio's request, and continued to pile up tackles while fighting a free-running guard on nearly every run play. Dude was THE BALLS.

His body of work should get him in, but I think that the early retirement may set him back. Barry Sanders was flashy. Willis, being a LB, was not that flashy unless you watched every game over the years.

He may get in, but I don't know if it will be first ballot.

Nope. Not enough time in the league.

Wont even get on the ballet

He could have retired after his first season and made the HOF. Willis does it his way.

Originally posted by kray28:

Retired too early to be in the HoF.

Barry Sanders, Gale Sayers, Lynn Swann, Kellen Winslow...

Originally posted by 4everFaithful:

Top 5 MLBs of all-time:

1) Ray Lewis
2) Jack Lambert
3) Dick Butkus
4) Mike Singletary
5) Patrick Willis


Willis was the most incredible athlete I've ever seen at that position. Had he played a longer career, he would've been higher on my list.

I think Willis was better than Lambert and Singletary. Lambert was a great player, but he played in an era they didnt really track defensive stats, so his reputation is more legend than hard numbers. Probably the same with Butkus, although I think he is a close 2nd to Ray Lewis.

Willis never played a down of NFL football in which he wasnt considered an elite player. Right off the bat as a rookie, he was a star. Our only memory of him will be that elite All-Pro player, which is why I think he gets in.

It would be dumb to say him playing out 2 more years of mediocre football on bad feet would put him over the top for the Hall, just because of the year total.

He played 7 full seasons, and made 7 Pro Bowls, and none of them were charity or based on rep. He was a HOF player.