Patrick Willis: 'I am here to do the work that my father sent me to do!'

Photo: Michael Macor, The Chronicle

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Linebacker Patrick Willis, (52) talks with the news media as the San Francisco 49ers' veteran players reported to training camp today to prepare for the 2014 season at their practice facility in Santa Clara, Calif., as seen on Wednesday July 23, 2014.

Photo: Michael Macor, The Chronicle

San Francisco 49ers linebacker Patrick Willis (52) warms up before an NFL football game against the Philadelphia Eagles in Santa Clara, Calif., Sunday, Sept. 28, 2014. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)

Photo: Marcio Jose Sanchez, Associated Press

San Francisco 49ers linebacker Patrick Willis (52) breaks up a pass meant for Atlanta Falcons tight end Tony Gonzalez (88) in the 2nd quarter of Monday night's game on Dec. 23, 2013 in San Francisco, Calif.

Photo: Beck Diefenbach, For The Chronicle

ARLINGTON, TX - SEPTEMBER 07: Patrick Willis #52 of the San Francisco 49ers intercepts a pass intended for Jason Witten #82 of the Dallas Cowboys in the first half at AT&T Stadium on September 7, 2014 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

Photo: Christian Petersen, Getty Images

San Francisco 49ers linebacker Patrick Willis warms up before an NFL football game against the Philadelphia Eagles in Santa Clara, Calif., Sunday, Sept. 28, 2014.

Photo: Marcio Jose Sanchez, Associated Press

Patrick Willis: 'I am here to do the work that my father sent me to do!

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Niners linebacker Patrick Willis penned what could be viewed as a retirement message on his social-media accounts Monday night.

One notable part of his post: Willis, 30, didnt mention football.

Today is my Future, Past, and Present all in one, he wrote, in part. ... It's bigger than me, it always has been and it always will be ... I thank you guys for everything, it has been an absolute pleasure.

Willis post included references to 11 Bible scriptures, which have been a staple of his recent social-media messages. Among them was Proverbs 19:21, which seemed appropriate given his reported decision to end an eight-year career that included seven Pro Bowl berth and five first-team All-Pro honors: Many are the plans in a persons heart, but it is the Lords purpose that prevails.

Willis is retiring partly because surgery didnt completely correct a chronic toe issue that limited him to six games last year, but also because he wants to spend his time working with youth, ESPN reported. Willis was raised in poverty by an abusive father in Bruceton, Tenn., and he and three younger siblings were taken in by foster parents when Willis was 17. His background has inspired much of his community service during his career.

Willis concluded his message by referencing the listed scriptures.

I'm in love with these words, he wrote. I am here to do the work that my father sent me to do!

Twitter: @Eric_Branch

Source: http://www.sfgate.com/49ers/article/Patrick-Willis-I-am-here-to-do-the-work-that-my-6124798.php

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49ers' Patrick Willis retiring after injury-shortened season

SANTA CLARA His eyelids swollen from tears, seven-time Pro Bowl linebacker Patrick Willis bid farewell to football and called it one of his happiest days yet because he is leaving on his own terms.

His tender, size-13 feet "12 when they're bent" can no longer handle the grind of NFL practices let alone the demands of game day.

Willis announced Tuesday he will retire after his 2014 season was cut short by a toe injury that required surgery and sore feet that make everything more of a challenge.

"In my head, I'm already a Hall of Famer," Willis said. "I am leaving this with closure. I'm happy today, more happy today than the day I was drafted."

San Francisco is losing its defensive captain and locker room leader, the player who often addressed the team before games with inspirational pep talks.

Willis isn't saying exactly what's next, perhaps a vacation, some speaking gigs, a day of fishing, slow mornings with a cup of coffee instead of an intense workout.

"I have no regrets. I've had the most amazing eight years of football of my life. I am so humbled to have had this opportunity. I've been so humbled to have played this game.

Willis and friend NaVorro Bowman had made up one of the best 1-2 linebacker punches in the NFL until both missed time last season, the entire season for Bowman as he recovered from reconstructive knee surgery.

The 30-year-old Willis was sidelined with a strained muscle in his left big toe. He was placed on the season-ending injured reserve Nov. 11 after getting hurt in the third quarter at St. Louis on Oct. 13.

"These feet, boy, boy, boy, I've made no excuses," said Willis, who notes his feet "spoke" to him. "When you don't have no feet, that's what has made me what I am. I no longer have in these feet to give you guys that kind of 'Wow.'"

Source: http://www.pressdemocrat.com/sports/niners/3641355-181/story.html

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