Willis works to become more 'complete' linebacker

SANTA CLARA, Calif. – They've asked All-Pro Patrick Willis to blitz, and he is all for it.

Even as a kid with big football dreams, Willis realized being one-dimensional would not take him very far on the field. He still works each day, now as a fifth-year pro and already an elite NFL linebacker, to reinvent himself and improve his game.

Willis, who maintains the proper etiquette of his Southern upbringing — "Yes, ma'am," ''Yes, sir," he says — is clearly having fun doing it in San Francisco's new system, too.

During practice last week, Willis made a pretty pick on a throw by rookie quarterback Colin Kaepernick.

Willis returned the interception all the way, gleefully yelling, "Hey, touchdown!" as he scurried into the end zone.