Ex-Ole Miss LB Patrick Willis Named Pro Football Hall of Fame Finalist

Is this the year former Ole Miss Rebels linebacker Patrick Willis makes the Pro Football Hall of Fame?

Former Ole Miss Rebels linebacker Patrick Willis is one step closer to football immortality, as the NFL revealed on Wednesday night that he has been named a finalist for the Pro Football Hall of Fame's Class of 2024.

Willis is among the 15 modern-era player finalists for the Class of 2024, and has now been named a finalist for the hall for the third year in a row. Willis is in his fifth year of eligibility to be voted into the hall of fame after retiring from the NFL following the 2014 season. The former Rebel was previously named a semifinalist for the 2024 class in November.

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Willis, a native of Bruceton, Tenn., played for Ole Miss from 2003-06 before being selected by the San Francisco 49ers No. 11 overall in the 2007 NFL Draft, after which he spent his entire eight-year pro career in San Fran.

Willis registered 732 solo tackles, forced 16 fumbles and intercepted eight passes while in the pros. He is already a member of the San Francisco 49ers Hall of Fame, and he was named to seven Pro Bowls and was the NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year in 2007.

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The Ole Miss legend was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2019, becoming one of 10 Rebels to be admitted as a player or coach, and was also part of the 2023 Southeastern Conference Football Legends class. Willis led the SEC in tackles twice, was named a consensus All-American his senior year, and was awarded the Conerly Trophy that same season. 

The Pro Football Class of 2024 will be announced on Feb. 8 during NFL Honors, time will tell if this is finally the year Willis gets inducted.