Bill Willis

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American football player (1921-2007)

United States AthletesLived 1921 to 2007 · aged 86

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Fame45.1

Momentum5.4

Languages6

In century#147,794

Text from Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0

Also inDeutsch

Photos 3

Willis strikes an intimidating middle guard pose ahead of the 1943 Ohio State season.

Willis speaking at a Black History Month event in 2007

Teams 2

Cleveland Browns

Ohio State Buckeyes football

Awards 1

Pro Football Hall of Fame

Connected to Bill 6

Paris Johnson Jr.Also played for Ohio State Buckeyes football

Hanford DixonAlso played for Cleveland Browns

David PattenAlso played for Cleveland Browns

Howard CassadyAlso played for Ohio State Buckeyes football

Carlos HydeAlso played for Ohio State Buckeyes football

Seneca WallaceAlso played for Cleveland Browns

About this person

William Karnet Willis was an American professional football middle guard and guard who played for eight seasons with the Cleveland Browns of the All-America Football Conference (AAFC) and the National Football League (NFL). Known for his quickness and strength despite his small stature, Willis was one of the dominant defensive football players of the 1940s and early 1950s. He was named an All-Pro in every season of his career and reached the NFL's Pro Bowl in three of the four seasons he played in the league. His techniques and style of play were emulated by other teams, and his versatility as a pass-rusher and coverage man influenced the development of the modern-day linebacker position. When he retired, Cleveland coach Paul Brown called him "one of the outstanding linemen in the history of professional football".

Text from Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0

Country

United States