Former NFL Great Patrick Willis Tackles Startup World
CAMPBELL (CBS SF) -- Many NFL greats struggle with life after football, but former 49ers star Patrick Willis is using a chance encounter with a neighbor to stage an all-out blitz on the Silicon Valley startup world.
Willis is a board member and executive vice president of Open Source Storage. Instead of film sessions and weigh training, his days are now filled with client relations and interviewing fresh talent for the growing startup.
How did such a stark transition begin? It was a chance encounter with his former neighbor Eren Niazi, who is one of the OSS founders.
"I saw someone kind of limping," said Niazi of his first meeting with Willis, who has rehabilitating his chronically injured foot. "When you see someone limping, struggling, I always believe you go ask them if they need help…I offered to carry his bag that day."
The act of kindness sparked a friendship that has led to Willis to a new path in his life.
Willis was one of the most feared linebackers in the NFL until the persistent foot injury brought his career to an end.
He walked away from the NFL after an injury-shortened 2014 season and has lived in relative obscurity in the Bay Area ever since.
"I gave the game everything that I had and I just felt I had nothing more to give," said Willis of his decision to retire from the gridiron.
While many former NFL stars head to the broadcast booth, Willis was looking for another kind of team to join.
"I always felt like there was more to me than just football," he told KPIX 5. "I felt like football was a great asset to my life, but at the same time, I also knew the day I came in that there would be a day that I would leave."
Niazi said Willis approached him and was curious about his startup.
"Patrick came and said: 'Hey, I see you work hard every day. I see what you're doing and I'd like to be part of it,'" Niazi said.
Willis said he has been drawn to the company because of its team atmosphere.
"It takes a full team and I love being part of it," Willis said. "I'm here to do my part and I'm humbled every day to be part of this team."