Ole Miss Football: The GOATS Of Ole Miss, Top 10 All-Time Rebels
Goat No.8, Patrick Willis, LB
When you talk about great linebackers there is no disputing Patrick Willis as one of the very best. He certainly made an impact on the Ole Miss football program while he was playing in Oxford. Patrick Willis would leave everything on the field and never took a play off. He was a solid tackler and one of the biggest hitters in football on every level.
"Patrick leads by example. He is not a big talker. He just gets in there and does his job every day and makes everybody around him better. ~Coach Ed Orgeron"
Drafted in the first round of the 2007 NFL Draft by the San Fransisco 49ers Willis would become one of the most feared linebackers in the NFL. Willis played in seven Pro Bowls in his eight NFL seasons. His honors and accolades speak to the talent Willis had at the middle linebacker position.
- NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year 2007
- NFL Butkus Award 2009
- NCAA Butkus Award 2006
- Two time First-Team All-American 2005, 2006
- Two time First-Team All-SEC 2005, 2006