October 5, 1921 – Bill Willis was a tackle from Ohio State University.
He was gifted with the quickness, size, and strength to become a very formidable blocker in the Buckeye offense during his playing days at the school. Willis’ lightning-like quickness was his trademark in the clearing of paths for Ohio State runners. His legendary blocking skills helped lead the team to claim the National Championship Title in 1942.
Bill was renowned, according to the National Football Foundation’s bio on him, for leading runners downfield with his amazing “pop blocks” while he was on the move. Buckeye halfback Les Horvath won the Heisman Trophy in 1944 following his 6-2, talented performance on many long runs. Willis was a great student, too, ranking high in the class rankings of his Business Administration studies. Bill Willis was nominated for entry into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1971.
After graduation, Willis coached the Kentucky State program for a year, then Bill joined the Cleveland Browns in 1946. He thrived under Coach Paul Brown’s system, becoming an All-Pro in four different seasons and being nominated to the All-League team seven times in his eight years as a professional in both the AAFC and the NFL. Bill entered the Pro Football Hall of Fame’s museum of legends in 1977. After hanging up his helmet, Bill Willis worked for the Ohio Youth Commission, taking charge of the state’s juvenile institutions. Bill did excellent work in this career field, too, as he was honored by having the William Willis High School named for him. Bill helped those less fortunate than himself by working in many service groups, including Protestant Big Brothers.
