Willis was born in Columbus, Ohio in 1921 and attended Ohio State University. He was a two-time All-American at Ohio State and was drafted by the Browns in the 1945 NFL Draft. Willis was the first African-American to play professional football in the modern era, breaking the color barrier in 1946.
Willis was a dominant force on the defensive line for the Browns, recording 28 sacks in his career. He was a three-time All-Pro selection and was named to the Pro Bowl four times. He was also named to the AAFC All-League team three times and the NFL All-League team twice.
Willis was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1977 and is remembered as one of the greatest defensive linemen of all time. He was known for his quickness, strength, and intelligence, which allowed him to dominate the line of scrimmage. He was also a leader on the field and in the locker room, and his presence was felt by his teammates and opponents.
Willis' career was cut short due to a knee injury in 1953, but he left a lasting legacy on the game of football. He was a pioneer for African-American players in the sport and helped pave the way for future generations of players. His legacy will live on for many years to come.
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