Willis is in for the Long Haul with 49ers Till 2016

Middle linebacker Patrick Willis of San Francisco 49ers got himself an even bigger deal last Tuesday, after signing a 5-year extension worth $50 million.  Willis is in for the long haul until the 2016 season.  With a done deal, he will be making $10 million dollars for every season and will receive guaranteed money worth $29 million. The All-Pro linebacker has been a dominant defensive player for San Francisco, and this earned him the new deal.  With Willis who’s able to stop the match up and run with receivers, the 49ers is expecting to keep a strong defense on the field while making important drafts for their offense with Anthony Davis of Rutgers and Mike Lupati of Idaho, linemen who were picked 11th and 17th overall. According to Mike Singletary, 49ers coach and Hall of Fame linebacker, the message from the management is clear with this recent deal.  They value players who perform on the field and keep them.  With two years remaining on Willis’ contract, Paraag Marathe, lead negotiator for the 49ers,0 had to work with Ben Dogra, Willis’s agent, and have the new contract signed. In a news conference, Willis said that the team obviously wanted the same thing, and that is to win. Turning into an NFL star Based on interviews with the 5-year extension of Willis, coach Singletary seems pleased to have one of his top defenders to stay onboard.  But before Willis was drafted by the 49ers, the coach initially had his doubts.  He didn’t readily see the potential of Willis turning into an NFL star.  This, however, changed when Singletary learned something about the life of Willis.  Apparently, the standout linebacker had to raise his younger siblings.  Another unfortunate event in his life is the death of his brother, 17-year old Detris, who drowned.  The now 25-year old Willis had to deal with all of these life’s troubles.  After learning all these, Singletary had a change of heart.  Out of Mississippi 2007 draft, Willis then became the 11th overall pick.  Since then, the linebacker has led the 49ers in tackles over his three seasons with the team.  He was also able to accomplish 48 straight starts. Singletary believes in Willis’ passion and urged him to play better and improve.  It seems that the hardwork and support from his coach paid off, as seen through his performance, which a lot of people compare to that of Baltimore Ravens star Ray Lewis. Willis, on the other hand, believes that it’s just the beginning.  He was quoted saying that “Everyday is a work in progress.”  What he was able to accomplish in several seasons playing for 49ers is just the tip of the iceberg.  There’s so much to do, and he’s willing to do everything to be the best player in his position. The promise of championship Last March, Willis had to undergo a right knee surgery and had the inflamed fluid sac removed.  While recovering, he had to miss the Pro Bowl this year.  He’s near full recovery by now, and would soon be ready to play on the field again.  He believes that the 49ers has a big chance for championship and not just the playoffs.  He hopes to be one of the men to lead the team to the sixth championship.