49ers Alumnus Patrick Willis Enters Bay Area Sports Hall of Fame

May 30, 2023 at 04:25 PM

Briana McDonald

Digital Media Reporter

On Thursday, San Francisco 49ers legend Patrick Willis was enshrined with the Class of 2023 into the Bay Area Sports Hall of Fame.

The former 49ers linebacker joins Keena Turner, Harris Barton, Dwight Clark, Joe Montana, George Seifert, Jerry Rice and many other 49ers legends who are already a part of the Hall.

Originally a first-round pick (11th overall) in the 2007 NFL Draft out of Mississippi, Willis spent his entire eight-year NFL career with San Francisco. The linebacker made seven Pro Bowl appearances (2007-2013) and earned First-Team AP All-Pro honors for five years (2007, 2009-2012). Willis amassed eight interceptions, 16 forced fumbles, five fumble recoveries, 20.5 sacks and two touchdowns in 112 career games.

"It felt pretty special to be one of those pillars in the Bay Area, and now to be recognized for it, it’s truly an honor." Patrick Willis

The other four inductees who entered this year's class are former San Francisco Giants catcher Buster Posey, NBA legend Gary Payton Sr., former undefeated professional boxer Andre Ward and FIFA Women's World Cup champion and two-time Olympic gold medalist Julie Foudy.

1 / 11

Patrick Willis

Terrell Lloyd/49ers

2 / 11

Patrick Willis, Andre Ward, Julie Fondy, Buster Posey, Gary Payton

Terrell Lloyd/49ers

3 / 11

Patrick Willis

Terrell Lloyd/49ers

4 / 11

Julie Fondy, Gary Payton, Andre Ward, Patrick Willis, Buster Posey

Terrell Lloyd/49ers

5 / 11

Patrick Willis

Terrell Lloyd/49ers

6 / 11

Buster Posey, Patrick Willis

Terrell Lloyd/49ers

7 / 11

Patrick Willis

Terrell Lloyd/49ers

8 / 11

Mike Singletary, Patrick Willis

Terrell Lloyd/49ers

9 / 11

Mike Singletary, Patrick Willis

Terrell Lloyd/49ers

10 / 11

Patrick Willis

Terrell Lloyd/49ers

11 / 11

Andre Ward, Patrick Willis, Gary Payton

Terrell Lloyd/49ers

Advertising

This Ad will close in 3

Related Content

news

Ricky Watters and Anquan Boldin Among 25 Semifinalists for Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2025

Ricky Watters and Anquan Boldin are part of the group of 25 Modern-Era players named semifinalists for the Pro Football Hall of Fame's Class of 2025.

news

Joe Staley, Ricky Watters Among 50 Finalists for Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2025

Joe Staley, Ricky Watters, Anquan Boldin and Gary Anderson are among the 50 Modern-Era Players nominated for the Pro Football Hall of Fame's Class of 2025.

news

Photographer Michael Zagaris Honored for Over Half a Century with the 49ers

San Francisco 49ers team photographer Michael Zagaris is set to be honored during Alumni Weekend and halftime of Sunday's matchup vs. the Arizona Cardinals.

news

5 Things to Know: 49ers Alumni Weekend Celebration

The San Francisco 49ers will honor legends of the past and highlight Pro Football Hall of Famer Patrick Willis in their Week 5 contest against the Arizona Cardinals.

news

Twenty-One 49ers Alumni Nominated for Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2025

Twenty former San Francisco 49ers players and one coaching alum were among the 167 Modern-Era Players nominated for the Pro Football Hall of Fame's Class of 2025.

news

Dre Greenlaw Reflects on Dwight Clark's Enduring Legacy on '87 Day'

Dwight Clark Award winner and linebacker Dre Greenlaw reflected on Clark's lasting legacy and how it continues to shape today's 49ers team.

news

Frank Gore to be Inducted Into the 49ers Hall of Fame Week 1 vs. New York Jets

The San Francisco 49ers announced that RB Frank Gore will be the newest inductee into the Edward J. DeBartolo Sr. San Francisco 49ers Hall of Fame in San Francisco's Week 1 matchup against the New York Jets.

news

Patrick Willis Visits Class of 2024 Pro Football Hall of Fame Exhibit

San Francisco 49ers legendary linebacker Patrick Willis took a trip to Canton, Ohio to unveil the Class of 2024 exhibit at the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

news

49ers Mourn Passing of Hall of Famer Jimmy Johnson

Former San Francisco 49ers defensive back Jimmy Johnson passed away on Wednesday, May 8, 2024, at the age of 86.

news

49ers Alumnus John Taylor Enters Bay Area Sports Hall of Fame

Former San Francisco 49ers wide receiver John Taylor has been inducted into the Bay Area Sports Hall of Fame.

news

Patrick Willis Named Member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2024

The San Francisco 49ers would like to congratulate former 49ers linebacker Patrick Willis on being named to the Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2024.

news

Off the Field: 49ers Alumni Make the College Football Hall of Fame Class of 2024 🏆

The National Football Foundation announced that Alex Smith, Randy Moss and Antonio Langham will be inducted into the 2024 class of the College Football Hall of Fame.