An emotional Patrick Willis officially announced his retirement Tuesday, explaining to a room full of reporters that he is leaving football in part because of the game's long-term effect on other players. He explained that he has seen players who can't pick up their children or walk well, saying, "My life is, there's more to football than this."
Patrick Willis retires: ‘There’s more to football than this’
Patrick Willis gave his final press conference as an NFL player Tuesday, citing potential long-term health problems as a reason for his decision to retire.
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Willis is retiring after eight season in the NFL with the San Francisco 49ers. In that span, he arguably carved out a place in the Hall of Fame. He made the Pro Bowl every season except his last, and was named first-team All-Pro five times. He led the NFL in tackles twice, in 2007 and 2009, and made a trip to the Super Bowl in 2012.
Willis explained that he did not feel he would be able to keep playing and live up to the expectations of his teammates. “If I don’t have what I know I need to give my teammates best chance to win,” Willis said, “then I can’t sit on the sideline collecting paycheck.” He added that he has no regrets about his decision, and that there would be no reconsidering.
SB Nation presents: An interview with the saddest 49ers fan
Willis’ 2014 season was perhaps the hardest of his career. The linebacker appeared in just six games due to a toe injury, and the 49ers fell to 8-8 and and missed the playoffs after qualifying for at least the NFC Championship in the three seasons prior.
What Willis’ plans are going forward are unclear.
And there he goes. Vaya con Dios, Patrick. pic.twitter.com/XTyTYHi8nz
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