Tag: Patrick Willis

49ers legend throws ceremonial first pitch at Giants game for 49ers Night

The legendary 49ers linebacker fired the ceremonial first pitch at Oracle Park on Saturday night.

The San Francisco 49ers’ Bay Area neighbor, the San Francisco Giants celebrated the start of the NFL season with an ode to the 49ers on Saturday night at Oracle Park.

The Giants hosted “49ers Night” at Third and King Street in San Francisco on Saturday evening for their matchup with NL West divisional opponent, the San Diego Padres.

Along with dishing out 49ers’ gold and red-themed hats to fans, a legendary member of the 49ers fired the ceremonial first pitch to kick off Saturday night’s tilt. Seven-time Pro Bowler and member of the 49ers Hall of Fame, Patrick Willis toed the rubber for the first pitch. Willis showed off his arm, not bouncing the pitch for a strike just outside the zone.

Via @NBCSGiants on Twitter:

https://twitter.com/NBCSGiants/status/1835126764894667107

Despite Willis and 49ers fans being in the building, the Giants didn’t have an answer for the Padres on Saturday night. Bob Melvin’s Giants got throttled 8-0, for the third straight shutout loss. The Giants haven’t mustered a single run in 27 innings as they fell to a 72-77 record on the season.

The Giants are set to wrap up a three-game series with the Padres on Sunday at 1:05 p.m. PT.

This post originally appeared on Niners Wire! Follow us on Facebook and Twitter!

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Huge hit by 49ers rookie reminiscent of 49ers Hall of Famer

Malik Mustapha’s big hit against the Titans looked like a play by a 49ers Hall of Famer.

The San Francisco 49ers had to be pleased with their 2024 rookie class in their preseason debut against the Tennessee Titans.

Third-round pick Dominick Puni got the start at right guard. Second-round pick Renardo Green showed off his versatility playing outside cornerback and in the slot.

Rookie fourth-round pick Malik Mustapha also got a ton of burn after first-team safeties Ji’Ayir Brown and George Odum exited the game. He got off to a rough start, falling down on a blitz, then getting out of position on a long completion to a Titans tight end.

He bounced back strong though, and made his presence felt on a fourth-and-1 run late in the second quarter near the goal line. Mustapha shot a gap and blew up Titans running back Hassan Haskins for a turnover on downs.

The hit was reminiscent of a play 49ers Hall of Fame linebacker Patrick Willis made when he was in college at Ole Miss.

Against LSU, Willis shot a gap the same way and dropped the RB with a perfect form tackle the way Mustapha did. Here’s a video filmed on a six-week old potato:

Mustapha has a long way to go to be as impactful as Willis. However, his flashes in his preseason debut bode well for his chances to be an effective pro.

At Wake Forest, physicality and strong tackling were two things that jumped out about Mustapha’s game. That those two things translated in his first NFL game action are a great sign for him.

It’s unlikely Mustapha will start this season with Brown and Talanoa Hufanga ahead of him on the depth chart. There could be chances for him to get on the field in some three-safety looks if he continues building off the foundation he built in Tennessee.

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How to watch the 2024 Pro Football Hall of Fame enshrinement ceremony

Here’s how you can watch the 2024 Pro Football Hall of Fame enshrinement ceremony:

A Carolina Panthers icon is less than 24 hours away from solidifying his legacy.

Tomorrow, Julius Peppers officially takes his spot in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. And in case you need the rundown on how to tune in, we’ve got you covered . . .

Date: Saturday, Aug. 3
Time: 12 p.m. ET
Location: Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium in Canton, Ohio
Television: ESPN, NFL Network
Stream: Fubo

The order of the enshrinements is as follows:

  • Dwight Freeney | Presenter: Jim Irsay (Colts owner)
  • Steve McMichael | Presenter: Jarrett Payton (Walter Payton’s son)
  • Randy Gradishar | Presenter: Tom Jackson (former Broncos LB)
  • Devin Hester | Presenter: Juanita Brown (Hester’s mother)
  • Patrick Willis | Presenter: Ernicka Willis (Wills’ sister)
  • Julius Peppers | Presenter: Carl Carey (Peppers’ agent)
  • Andre Johnson | Presenter: Gary Kubiak (former Texans HC)

Peppers will be the fifth individual with Panthers ties to be enshrined into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. He’ll join Reggie White (2006), Bill Polian (2015), Kevin Greene (2016) and Sam Mills (2022).

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49ers legend Patrick Willis gets Hall of Fame jacket ahead of induction ceremony

LOOK: Patrick Willis gets his Hall of Fame jacket.

49ers legendary linebacker Patrick Willis’ wait for the Hall of Fame is over, as is his wait for a gold jacket.

The Pro Football Hall of Fame on Saturday posted a video of Willis opening the iconic gold jacket that Hall of Famers receive upon their selection to pro football’s most exclusive fraternity.

While the video doesn’t show Willis putting the jacket on, 49ers fans will get to see him wear it for the first time at the induction ceremony in Canton, Ohio on Aug. 3.

This year was Willis’ fifth on the ballot and his fifth as a HOF finalist. He spent eight seasons in the NFL all with the 49ers and racked up a Defensive Rookie of the Year award, seven Pro Bowl trips and six All-Pro nods while leading the NFL in tackles twice.

Willis is joined in the 2024 Hall of Fame class by defensive end Dwight Freeney, linebacker Randy Gradishar, kick returner Devin Hester, wide receiver Andre Johnson, offensive lineman Steve McMichael, and defensive end Julius Peppers.

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Panthers great Luke Kuechly asked about his candidacy for Pro Football Hall of Fame

Up & Adams host Kay Adams asked Panthers great Luke Kuechly about the prospect of becoming a first-ballot Pro Football Hall of Famer in 2025.

Will the Carolina Panthers be able to boast back-to-back first-ballot Pro Football Hall of Famers? Well, to be frank, it’s pretty likely.

Former linebacker Luke Kuechly joined the post-Super Bowl LVIII edition of Up & Adams—where he talked not only about the upcoming induction of fellow franchise great and ex-teammate Julius Peppers, but also about the possibility of his own. Host Kay Adams asked Kuechly, who is eligible beginning in 2025, for his thoughts on the prospect.

“I think when you think about the Hall of Fame, it’s obviously awesome,” he replied. “It’s the highest honor that you can have as a football player on an individual basis. And you look at the guys that got in there at the linebacker position, the guys I grew up watching—Derrick Brooks, Brian Urlacher, Ray Lewis, obviously Pep got in. Those three guys that I mentioned and then Patrick [Willis]. And all of ’em were a little bit different.”

As he mentions, Willis is headed in—and in his first year of eligibility. Considering all that separates the two is an AP Defensive Player of the Year award and a second-team All-Pro nod (both of which belong to Luke), Thursday’s news bodes rather well for Kuechly’s immediate chances.

Kuechly went on.

“We’ll see what happens,” he added. “I did my best when I was playing. I had a lot of really good help around me from players and coaches and people in the organization. I did everything I could, I loved every second of it and now we’ll just kinda see what happens.”

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Watch: Bryant Young welcomes Patrick Willis to Hall of Fame

Tears will be shed when you see this.

One of the coolest parts about the Pro Football Hall of Fame is how new inductees are informed of their honor. There are a few methods in which to do so, but the one that has grabbed most people’s attention in recent years is the knock on the door behind which the new Hall of Famer is. It used to be the door of a hotel room, but it now is the door of the new inductee’s home.

Former Notre Dame defensive tackle [autotag]Bryant Young[/autotag], a 2022 Hall of Fame inductee, recently was given the privilege of knocking on the door of Patrick Willis, a rookie during Young’s final season with the San Francisco 49ers. Here’s the big moment, and you might want to grab some tissues before you watch:

Those are the tears of a man whose years of hard work and sacrifice have paid off. Sure, a Super Bowl win is nice, but only 378 individuals are permanent residents of Canton, Ohio. When you earn that honor, nothing feels better other than getting married and becoming a parent.

Congratulations to Patrick and all the other members of the Class of 2024.

Contact/Follow us @IrishWireND on Twitter, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Notre Dame news, notes, and opinions.

Follow Geoffrey on Twitter: @gfclark89

Every Pro Football Hall of Famer to spend whole career with 49ers

Here are the 6 Pro Football Hall of Famers who wore a 49ers uniform for their entire careers:

The 49ers have a ton of Pro Football Hall of Famers in their history, and linebacker Patrick Willis on Thursday joined that list when it was announced he’ll be part of the 2024 Hall of Fame class.

While Willis is one of many former 49ers to get a bust in Canton, he’s one of just six players who spent their entire careers in San Francisco.

Greats like Joe Montana, Jerry Rice, Steve Young, Terrell Owens and Hugh McElhenny all played for other clubs before hanging up their pads. These six players did not:

2024 Pro Football Hall of Fame class: Dwight Freeney, Devin Hester, Andre Johnson, Julius Peppers, Patrick Willis, Randy Gradishar, Steve McMichael

The 2024 Pro Football Hall of Fame class: Dwight Freeney, Devin Hester, Andre Johnson, Julius Peppers, Patrick Willis, Randy Gradishar, Steve McMichael.

The NFL has announced the men who will find themselves enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame for the 2024 class. In total, five finalists made it from the active class, and two from the senior group.[anyclip-media thumbnail=”undefined” playlistId=”undefined” content=”dW5kZWZpbmVk”][/anyclip-media]

49ers LB Patrick Willis elected to Pro Football Hall of Fame

Patrick Willis is officially a Pro Football Hall of Famer!

It’s about time.

Former 49ers linebacker Patrick Willis is finally a Pro Football Hall of Famer. He’ll be inducted with the class of 2024.

This is Willis’ fifth year on the ballot and fifth time landing as a finalist. He appeared bound to get in eventually and now the wait is over.

“Congratulations to Patrick Willis on his well-deserved honor of being elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame,” the 49ers said in a statement. “Willis has cemented his legacy as one of the greatest linebackers in NFL history. He set a standard of excellence and provided exemplary leadership for his teammates. His grit and passion for the game anchored our defense and elevated everyone around him. We join the 49ers Faithful in celebrating Willis as a member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2024.”

A lack of longevity is likely part of the reason Willis had to wait so long to get his gold jacket. He played just eight years, but he packed a Hall of Fame résumé into those years.

He was a Defensive Rookie of the Year in 2007, a seven-time Pro Bowler, a five-time First-Team All-Pro and a one-time Second-Team All-Pro. Willis also landed on the Pro Football Hall of Fame 2010s All-Decade team.

There weren’t any off-ball LBs better than Willis when he played, and there aren’t many better in NFL history. Now he’ll join his peers in Canton.

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Jarrett Bailey’s 2024 Pro Football Hall of Fame class

While all 15 finalists undoubtedly have their respective arguments for earning their induction, these five would get my vote as to who will make up the class of 2024.

The 15 finalists for the 2024 Pro Football Hall of Fame class have been announced. Five of these modern-era candidates will be inducted into the Hall of Fame next August, and we will find out who they are on Feb. 8 during the “NFL Honors.”

While all 15 finalists undoubtedly have their respective arguments for earning their induction, these five would get my vote as to who will make up the class of 2024.

First, here are all 15 finalists.

  • Eric Allen, Cornerback – 1988-1994 Philadelphia Eagles, 1995-97 New Orleans Saints, 1998-2001 Oakland Raiders
  • Jared Allen, Defensive End – 2004-07 Kansas City Chiefs, 2008-2013 Minnesota Vikings, 2014-15 Chicago Bears, 2015 Carolina Panthers
  • Willie Anderson, Offensive Tackle – 1996-2007 Cincinnati Bengals, 2008 Baltimore Ravens
  • Jahri Evans, Guard – 2006-2016 New Orleans Saints, 2017 Green Bay Packers
  • Dwight Freeney, Defensive End/Outside Linebacker – 2002-2012 Indianapolis Colts, 2013-14 San Diego Chargers, 2015 Arizona Cardinals, 2016 Atlanta Falcons, 2017 Seattle Seahawks, 2017 Detroit Lions
  • Antonio Gates, Tight End – 2003-2018 San Diego/Los Angeles Chargers
  • Rodney Harrison, Safety – 1994-2002 San Diego Chargers, 2003-08 New England Patriots
  • Devin Hester, Punt Returner/Kick Returner/Wide Receiver – 2006-2013 Chicago Bears, 2014-15 Atlanta Falcons, 2016 Baltimore Ravens
  • Torry Holt, Wide Receiver – 1999-2008 St. Louis Rams, 2009 Jacksonville Jaguars
  • Andre Johnson, Wide Receiver – 2003-2014 Houston Texans, 2015 Indianapolis Colts, 2016 Tennessee Titans
  • Julius Peppers, Defensive End – 2002-09, 2017-18 Carolina Panthers, 2010-13 Chicago Bears, 2014-16 Green Bay Packers
  • Fred Taylor, Running back – 1998-2008 Jacksonville Jaguars, 2009-2010 New England Patriots
  • Reggie Wayne, Wide Receiver – 2001-2014 Indianapolis Colts
  • Patrick Willis, Linebacker – 2007-2014 San Francisco 49ers
  • Darren Woodson, Safety – 1992-2003 Dallas Cowboys

The Selection Committee may elect up to five Modern-Era Players for the Class of 2024; each must receive a minimum positive vote of 80 percent for election. Four others — Seniors category Finalists Randy Gradishar, Steve McMichael and Art Powell, along with Coach/Contributor Finalist Buddy Parker — also are candidates for the Class of 2024. Voting on each of those four will be held individually, in conjunction with the meeting to decide which Modern-Era Players are elected.

The Finalists in the Modern-Era Player category were determined by a vote of the Hall’s Selection Committee from a list of 173 nominees named in September that was reduced to 25 Semifinalists on Nov. 28.