In a shocking move star San Francisco linebacker Patrick Willis has decided to hang up his cleats after eight years. The 30 year old missed the majority of last year after having season ending toe surgery. Although he missed out on last season this move is unexpected because Willis himself said he had, “five or six years left in my body.”
The first round pick in 2007 was slated to be the heir to Ray Lewis’ throne and didn’t disappoint. Willis made seven pro bowls and five all pro teams since his induction to the league.
In a much more expected move 49ers defensive tackle Justin Smith is expected to announce his retirement on Tuesday. Smith is a 14 year vet who split his career with the 49ers and the Cincinnati Bengals.
New head coach Jim Tomsula might not have been counting on the return of Smith, but not having Willis back next season might put a bit of a damper on his plans. The 49ers aren’t completely inept at linebacker considering they have NaVorro Bowman returning from a torn MCL/ACL and a promising young linebacker in Chris Borland. However no matter how you put it, Willis is going to be hard to replace.
