2012-GameRelease-Divisional

“He told me earlier this morning after we worked out,” Willis shared. “He said, ‘I did it.’ And I was looking
at him like, ‘What did you do?’”
Once Bowman shared the contact information, Willis was elated.
“I know he’d told me they’d been in talks and I just want to say I know today is a very blessed day, not
only for this organization, but for NaVorro and his family,” said Willis, who is signed through the 2016
season. “I know he’s going to play hard, continue to do all the things right to become an even better
player. I’m truly blessed to have him here for a long time.”
Opponents might feel differently about San Francisco keeping its starting linebacking group intact for
three more years after this season, but the players themselves know there’s a bigger task at hand: Win
the Super Bowl now.
“All I can think about is taking advantage of the opportunity now, not banking on next year or the year
after,” Willis explained. “Things happen and you never know about this business. All we can control is
right now.”
Bowman felt comfortable with the deal, but more importantly, the support from the 49ers organization –
the same team that saw something in him that other teams didn’t.
“It shows the organization trusts me,” Bowman said. “I’m just happy to be a part of it.”
Willis certainly knows how much pride his teammate has for working at his craft and mastering the game
of football. He doesn’t expect it to go anywhere.
“There’s no doubt he’ll continue to do that and do that at an even higher level,” Willis said. “He’s a
tremendous guy and I know his heart is pure. I know he loves this game. I know it’s all about football.”
So with two-hard working inside linebackers locked up for three-plus seasons, it’s hard not to wonder
what type of defensive legacy the 49ers can carve out in the coming years.
“It’s not about money,” Bowman said when explaining the timing and reasoning of the extension. “At the
end of the day we all play this game and we get paid a good amount of money, but all in all, people
remember you for the wins, the teams you were a part of.”
Willis said legacy isn’t stressed by the group; it’s just something that goes unspoken.
“It’s not something we sit around and talk about. It’s just one of those things we go out on the field and do.
We let our play speak for itself. Coach always talks about actions speak louder than words – anyone can
talk a great story – but to have lived it is better than to talk about it.”
So far, the 49ers linebackers have lived a pretty remarkable tale.
“We have a chance to do something really special with all four linebackers that we know for sure being
here,” Bowman said. “We can definitely make a statement for ourselves and a great legacy for our
defense.”
But before Bowman can continue carving out his remarkable career, he’ll have to take care of his friend
first.
Willis insists he’ll ask Bowman to take him and his fiancée out to eat.
“Go somewhere super, super nice,” Willis said with a grin.
As for the meal?