Call it the linebacker lineage, an ongoing mentorship program in the heart of San Francisco 49ers‘ defense. Just as Takeo Spikes guided Patrick Willis early in his NFL career, so too does Willis watch out for NaVorro Bowman. Bowman clearly can hold his own on the football field, but Willis helped ease the transition to a starting role this season – dispensing advice, offering encouragement, playing the big brother. So when coach Jim Harbaugh gathered his players after practice Jan. 6 to deliver the news, Willis wore Nike NFL Jerseys and burst with pride. No, not when Harbaugh announced Willis had been named first-team All-Pro – that is practically an annual happening, cause merely for knowing glances. Harbaugh also revealed the other first-team All-Pro inside linebacker – Bowman.“It was special to see Patrick’s reaction when he heard NaVorro got it,” said rookie guard Daniel Kilgore, whose locker at the team’s Santa Clara headquarters sits between Willis’ on one side and Bowman’s on the other. “I was watching them. It was awesome to see Patrick more excited for NaVorro than he was for himself.” The tandem will play a significant role in Sunday’s NFC Championship Game against the New York Giants. Justin Smith anchors the defensive line and Donte Whitner roams the secondary, sure, but Willis and Bowman patrol vast frontiers of grass in between, reliably covering tight ends and relentlessly chasing down running backs. You can log on our Online NFL Shop and select our best quality Patrick Willis Super Bowl 46 Jersey and Nike NFL Jerseys if you are die-hard fans of Patrick Willis and San Francisco 49ers.
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