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.