One of the most respected players in the game, Willis is also one of the most liked personalities off the field…A leader both on the field and off the field, he is heavily involved in community service

He started all 16 games at inside linebacker his rookie season and played his way into the starting lineup during training camp, and led the NFL with 226 tackles (143 solo). He made 10-plus tackles in all but one game this season, and made 20-plus tackles three times.

He broke the unofficial record for tackles in a season, previously held by Hardy Nickerson of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, who had 214 in 1993. To cap off his incredible year, Willis was named to the Pro Bowl, making him the first 49ers defensive rookie since Ronnie Lott to earn Pro Bowl honors. Willis was also named to the AP All-Pro team, and was chosen as the AP Defensive Rookie of the Year, joining CB Bruce Taylor (1970), DT Dana Stubblefield (1993) and DT Bryant Young (1994) as 49ers who have won the award. Willis was also named the NFL Alumni Linebacker of the Year.