Summary Patrick Willis's seven campaigns resulted in Pro Bowl selections.
SAN FRANCISCO (AFP) - San Francisco 49ers linebacker Patrick Willis retired from the National Football League on Tuesday, tearfully saying nagging feet injuries have forced him to hang up his helmet at age 30.
"I gave this game everything I had," Willis said. "I ve had the most amazing eight years of my life being a part of this organization."
Willis played in 112 games, all of them as a 49ers starter, over eight seasons and made 1,225 tackles, 20.5 quarterback sacks, eight interceptions including two returned for touchdowns, 16 forced fumbles, five fumble recoveries and 53 pass deflections. He also made 84 tackles in eight playoff games.
His first seven campaigns resulted in Pro Bowl selections, the third-longest All-Pro run to start a career by a defender in the past 45 years.
"He redefined his position," 49ers coach Jim Tomsula said.
But Willis played in only six games last season before undergoing surgery on his left big toe, among the foot injuries that have nagged him for years.
"I know I no longer have it in these feet to go out there and give you guys that Wow, " Willis said. "It s my health first. I am leaving this with closure. This is not the end. It s just the beginning."
The shocking announcement of his departure came minutes before the start of free agency for the 2015 NFL season.
During Willis stay with the 49ers, they came within a game of the Super Bowl in 2012 and 2014 and in 2013 reached the NFL championship spectacle only to lose to Baltimore.
In the 2014 campaign ahead of this year s Super Bowl, the 49ers went 8-8 and missed the playoffs.
"Some of the greatest memories in the history of our franchise have come from his passion, dedication and sacrifice," 49ers chief executive Jed York said. "His leadership and infectious love for the game helped propel this team."
