Report: 49ers' Patrick Willis and Justin Smith to Retire - East Idaho News
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Report: 49ers’ Patrick Willis and Justin Smith to Retire

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10 9 13%20Smith%20A?  SQUARESPACE CACHEVERSION=1425916183267Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images(NEW YORK) — The San Francisco 49ers have already lost head coach Jim Harbaugh and running back Frank Gore this offseason. According to various reports, the team will also lose defensive anchors Patrick Willis and Justin Smith to retirement.

Originally reported by Yahoo! Sports, ESPN is now reporting that the 30-year-old Willis will announce his retirement Tuesday.

One of the most dominant linebackers over the past generation, Willis was hampered by a toe injury last season that limited him to just six games.

Willis made seven Pro Bowls in his eight NFL seasons, and has 950 career tackles, 16 forced fumbles, and eight interceptions.

Meanwhile, Matt Maiocco of CSNBAYAREA.com is reporting that 14-year veteran defensive lineman Justin Smith is set to retire as well.

Smith spent the last seven seasons with the 49ers and was consistently one of the best at his position during his career. A five-time Pro-Bowler, Smith averaged over six sacks per season during his time in San Francisco.


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