Though retired, Willis remains a passionate fan of football. When asked to name his favorite linebackers, he acknowledged the difficulty of making comparisons but highlighted a few standouts.
"It's kind of hard to compare," Willis explained. "I'm a person, I don't like to compare it. I always feel like everyone is their own individual. I will say there are some great linebacker play happening in the NFL. Maybe I'm a little biased, but I feel [49ers LB] Fred [Warner] is still the number one linebacker, him and [Ravens LB] Roquan [Smith].
"Feel like they are 1A, 1B. They're both right there, and both are very good—the different things that they do make them All-Pros, which they are. I enjoy watching good football and seeing guys get after it, and have a fanatical effort. [49ers LB] Dre Greenlaw, when healthy, is one of the best. When Dre and Fred are together, man, they are a joy to watch."
Widely regarded as one of the NFL's top defenders, Warner will enter his eighth season in 2025. A four-time first-team All-Pro and Pro Bowl selection, he has been a consistent force on the 49ers defense.
Meanwhile, Greenlaw hasn't achieved the same accolades but remains a key contributor when healthy. Together, the duo is considered one of the NFL's best. Unfortunately, Greenlaw missed most of the 2024 season as he recovered from a torn Achilles. His return to the football field was cut short by another setback, and the linebacker is scheduled to become a free agent.
"I enjoy watching good defense, good football, and the play of Fred and Roquan," Willis continued. "I like Nakobe Dean from the Eagles. I'm just a fan of defenders, as I was when I was a kid. ... I just watched the game, and you see the effort. You see guys getting after it, land, the boom, high energy, 100% effort. Those are guys I've always been a fan of, so I'm just a fan of the game, defenders, and those who get after it."
Related News
More San Francisco 49ers News
-
K.J. Wright sees versatility, growth from 49ers' young linebackers
The San Francisco 49ers have plenty of experience at linebacker, but there are a couple of young players who are giving linebackers coach K.J. Wright plenty to be excited about. Rookie Jaden Dugger and second-year linebacker Nick Martin are both battling for opportunities, and... -
Roger Craig's long wait ends as 49ers legend finally takes his place in Canton
"When you're the first to do something, that in and of itself is Hall of Fame material." That was the response former San Francisco 49ers and Hall of Fame safety Ronnie Lott gave me when I asked why his former teammate, RB Roger Craig, deserved to be inducted into the Pro... -
49ers legend Roger Craig reveals vascular dementia diagnosis during Hall of Fame induction
San Francisco 49ers legend Roger Craig, who was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame on Saturday, revealed that he has been diagnosed with vascular dementia. "Today, there's another chapter I want to share," Craig said during a video played at Saturday's enshrinement... -
Watch 49ers legend Roger Craig receive long-awaited Hall of Fame gold jacket
This year's Pro Football Hall of Fame inductees received their gold jackets last night, including San Francisco 49ers great Roger Craig, whose inclusion in Canton was long overdue. Craig's longtime 49ers connection was on full display as former San Francisco owner Eddie...