Fans love knowing that the players they follow are genuinely nice people, or at least try hard to be. The irony is that some pro athletes get so much media coverage for their athletic accomplishments, but their real personalities rarely get to shine.
This post is not a review similar to those that I typically do, but I wanted to share with all of you my impression of one of the best linebackers in the game today.
During his stop by Las Vegas, I had the opportunity to meet and talk a bit with one of the most dominant players in the NFL, Patrick Willis of San Francisco 49ers.
I have been fortunate enough to meet and interview a lot of personalities or celebrities over the years. Some are as you might expect—uninterested, and issuing as many short answers as they can come up with. But I’ve also come across plenty who have been remarkably friendly and as accommodating as they could be.
When I introduced myself to Patrick Willis, I told him I am from Panama and he smiled at me and he said, “Nice to meet you Rosario.” I didn’t talk a lot, but he was very nice to me.
Thinking of Patrick Willis, I think of a football player in his regular uniform, looking more like a robot than a person. However, on this occasion he wore very comfortable and casual clothes, making him look much more human.
There were not many people around, but among those who were, there were a few kids who wanted to take a picture with them. Willis readily accepted, not only taking pictures, but also talking and joking with them.
As most know Willis’ road to prominence did not come without immense challenges. At the ripe age of 10, Patrick worked in a cotton field among other jobs to help support his family.
He and his siblings were separated from their biological father when he was 16. However, Patrick told me that he believes his upbringing as a youth made him into the hard-working and humble person he is today.
It’s always refreshing talking to a player who seems to be interested in meeting you, like Willis did to me.
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