How former 49ers player Patrick Willis found out about being inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame – NBC Sports Bay Area and California


Former 49ers linebacker Patrick Willis is still enjoying the news of his induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

During an interview with NBC Sports Bay Area's Matt Maocco and Jennifer Lee Chan on Friday at Radio Row in Las Vegas, Willis detailed his feelings since becoming a member of the NFL's most prestigious club.

Willis told Mayoko and Lee Chan, “The last 24 hours have been amazing; I'm still feeling everything. I still feel like I want to smile with every breath I take.” “It's really happened, now is the time. So I'm really excited about what's happened in the last 24 hours.”

When asked how he found out about his induction, Willis revealed that he was at his sister's house building a basketball hoop for his nieces when he was surprised by fellow Hall of Famer Bryant Young. Who gave this news.

“My assistant kept asking questions, 'Where will you be?' And I was wondering why he keeps asking me all these questions [he wants me to be] somewhere? He was like, 'Hey, a package is coming.' And it was my birthday, so I was there putting together my niece's basketball goal, which I still have half in the driveway.

“I'm there putting it together, and they come out and say to me, 'The girls got something for your birthday.

“Goed to the front door and opened the front door and it was almost like I was witnessing a crime – I could see everything – I said, 'Wow, it's time.' Then this thought came to my mind, I saw [Bryant Young]”I saw the jacket, it was a surreal moment.”

Willis is one of the most dominant players to ever play the linebacker position, receiving All-Pro honors in six of his eight NFL seasons, and earning Pro Bowl nods in all but one of his campaigns in the league.

Known for his fiery pregame speeches and uncanny ability to level opponents on the field, Willis proudly took on the role of vocal leader during an impressive 49ers run in the early 2010s that inspired a generation of fans to support the team. Gave the first taste of success.

Long ago, Willis secured his place as one of the most beloved figures in San Francisco's rich sports history, but now, his Hall of Fame induction will undoubtedly make him one of the greatest players to ever step onto an NFL field. He has received one of the world's top honors – which comes as a surprise to no one who saw him while patrolling the middle of the field at Candlestick Park.


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