Patrick Willis
49ers linebacker Patrick Willis made his mark on the NFL immediately, leading the league in tackles during his 2007 rookie season and earning Defensive Rookie of the Year honors. Though this would prove to be his best year statistically, Willis still went on to seven straight Pro Bowls and was a major factor in San Francisco’s 2012 NFC Championship season. Unfortunately, in 2014 a toe injury brought his season and career to a dead halt, and he retired in early 2015.