49ers great Willis now Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2024 finalist

Former 49ers linebacker Patrick Willis was announced Wednesday among the 15 modern-era player finalists for the Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2024. Willis, in his fifth year of eligibility, is a finalist for the third consecutive time. Willis made the Pro Bowl in each of his first seven seasons in the NFL and was a five-time Pro Bowl selection after the 49ers took him with the No. 11 overall pick of the 2007 NFL Draft. Willis led the league in tackles twice, registered 20.5 sacks, 16 forced fumbles and broke up 53 passes in his career. He was named to the NFL's All-Decade Team of the 2010s. Willis appeared in just six games in his eighth season before going on injured reserve with a foot injury. He announced his retirement months later, in March 2015, citing his chronic physical condition. The lists of modern-era finalists includes two first-time eligible candidates: defensive end Julius Peppers and tight end Antonio Gates. Peppers was a nine-time Pro Bowl selection and a three-time All Pro during his 17-year NFL career. He ranks No. 4 all time with 159.5 career sacks, behind only Hall of Famers Bruce Smith, Reggie White and Kevin Greene. Gates played his entire 16-year NFL...