Former 49ers’ LB Patrick Willis advances to finalists of 2023 Pro Football Hall of Fame Class

Jan 4, 2023, 5:57 PM

SANTA CLARA, CA - OCTOBER 05: Patrick Willis #52 of the San Francisco 49ers runs onto the field during player introductions for their game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Levi's Stadium on October 5, 2014 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)

(Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)

BY AMILIANO FRAGOSO

San Francisco 49ers Beat Writer

The Pro Football Hall of Fame have officially announced their list of 15 modern-era finalists for the 2023 class, including former San Francisco 49ers’ linebacker Patrick Willis.

The committee made the announcement Wednesday evening on NFL Network, trimming the list down from 28 players to only 15. Among the players making it are offensive tackle Joe Thomas, cornerback Darrelle Revis and linebacker DeMarcus Ware. Only Willis made it out of three nominees for San Francisco this year.

Willis spent his entire eight-year career with the Red & Gold, becoming one of the hardest hitting middle linebackers to play the sport. He finished his career with 950 total tackles, 20.5 sacks, 60 TFLs, 41 QB hits and 53 passes defended. Throw in eight INTs and two touchdowns, Willis was a man on a mission during his NFL tenure, making the Pro Bowl seven times. He has been a semifinalist four times before advancing to the final round Wednesday. He is also a finalist for the second year in a row.

After starring for his entire career with the @49ers, Patrick Willis is a Finalist for the Class of 2023! pic.twitter.com/zXyokKYSXU

— Pro Football Hall of Fame (@ProFootballHOF) January 5, 2023

Among the players not making the cut is WR Anquan Boldin.

While only with the 49ers for three seasons, Boldin left an impact with San Francisco in the middle 2010s. Spending time with the Cardinals, Ravens and Lions, the Florida native finished his 14-year career with 13,779 receiving yards, 1076 receptions and 83 total TDs. During his time in the Bay Area, Boldin had over 3,000 receiving yards and 16 TDs. He has been a semifinalist twice.

The other former 49er to miss the cut is running back Ricky Watters.

A 49er to start his career, Watters got off to a hot start in the NFL, making the Pro Bowl in his first three years. The Notre Dame alum spent time with the Eagles, and Seahawks as well. He finished his career with 14,891 scrimmage yards, 91 total TDs in 144 career games. He has been a semifinalist three times.

The NFL delayed the revealing of the list by 24 hours Tuesday, out of respect for Buffalo Bills’ safety Damar Hamlin. Hamlin suffered a cardiac arrest during Monday Night Football’s contest between Buffalo and the Cincinnati Bengals. He remains in critical condition in ICU at the University of Cincinnati Hospital.

“The decision to postpone the program for at least 24 hours was made after discussions involving officials with the Hall of Fame, the NFL and the NFL Network,” the Pro Football Hall of Fame said in a statement.

A final cutdown will be made ahead of of Super Bowl LVII in Glendale, Arizona. The 2023 class will be announced live on the “NFL Honors” telecast scheduled to air at 9 p.m. ET Feb. 9. While there is no set number of enshrinees per year, the Bylaws for the Selection Committee state that between four and nine new members will be selected.