How Willis put ‘love’ before himself with Thomas HOF endorsement

CANTON, Ohio — As finalists for the Pro Football Hall of Fame, 49ers great Patrick Willis could have considered Zach Thomas a rival. After all, they both played linebacker and were competing for one of five coveted spots among the modern-era candidates. However, Willis did not see it that way. When it came time for the selection committee to elect the Class of 2023, Willis wanted it made clear to all the voters that Thomas should get the honor over him. "I've always paid attention to those who came before me and were doing the things I was interested in doing," Willis said on the latest "49ers Talk." "And Zach Thomas was a linebacker for the [Miami] Dolphins back in my middle-school days. "There were a few times I'd see Zach Thomas and I'd say, 'Man, that guy is all over the place. He's a thumper.' " Thomas played 13 seasons in the NFL, retiring after the 2008 season. He was a seven-time Pro Bowl selection and a five-time All-Pro. Yet, Thomas still had not been elected into the Hall of Fame when Willis' time arrived for consideration. "I was [watching him] as a young teenager, then here we are years later in this conversation with someone I admired growing up," Willis said....