Patrick Willis is walking away from the game near the prime of his career.
The 30-year-old linebacker is retiring after eight seasons with the San Francisco 49ers, the team announced Tuesday. Willis will hold a news conference at 3 p.m. ET.
A first-round pick in 2007, Willis made seven Pro Bowls and five first-team All-Pro units, highlighting one of the most dominant runs for an inside linebacker in the last decade.
From 2008 up until last season, there was no one better at the position which makes his impending announcement all the more shocking. And Willis isn't the only big name in San Francisco expected to hang them up.
NFL Media's Alex Flanagan reported back in December that Justin Smith has likely played his last game as a San Francisco 49er. The 14-year veteran and staple of the San Francisco front, however, told the Sacramento Bee that he plans to make his decision by next week. Smith would make sense because of his age. Willis is a far bigger shock.Â
Willis' season ended early last year after he opted for surgery on a bothersome toe injury that had reportedly hampered him for a few seasons, though it was certainly not enough to force him out of the game. His explanation, expected Tuesday, will be interesting to hear.
The loss is a stunning blow for the 49ers, a team that is desperately trying to rebuild following the ouster of Jim Harbaugh. Smith would undoubtedly be the easier of the two to swallow given the fact that he'd turn 37 during the season this year. A retirement is almost expected now that the team is shifting gears and heading in another direction.
Willis, on the other hand, will take some time to digest.
With a cast of rotating characters, some talented and troubled, Willis and Smith were known commodities. New head coach Jim Tomsula was undoubtedly counting on Willis' presence in some form to help engineer a new era. Willis was a picture of stability and consistency. No one can replace Willis, but they are deep at the position with All Pro Navorro Bowman and promising youngster Chris Borland at inside linebacker.Â
Still, the 49ers defense will look different. Before his toe injury, Willis had missed just five regular-season games in his career. Smith only has missed two in red and gold.
At this point, the only solace for Trent Baalke will be the cap room. The cash-strapped 49ers could have saved more than $7 million by releasing Willis this year.
Otherwise, he'll be hard at work trying to fix this mess.
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