Patrick Willis, San Francisco 49ers
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Although he’s now retired, out of respect, we’ve given Willis a spot on this list… Back in 2012, when former San Francisco 49ers linebacker Patrick Willis was at the peak of his playing career, ESPN.com did a feature on players that could’ve succeeded in any era of the NFL, and placed Willis on said list. Hall of fame wide receiver James Lofton compared Willis to legends like Ray Nitschke and Dick Butkus. Jerry Rice, another 49ers alum and perhaps the greatest player in NFL history, called Willis “an intimidator.” But legendary head coach Mike Ditka might’ve said it best: “Patrick Willis knocks the crap out of guys.” Willis retired after the 2014 season, as he was hampered by a foot injury that was lingering for several seasons.
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