Willis Takes Student to School

Patrick Willis surprised fourth grader Nicholas Billmire at his home in Fremont last Thursday morning to pick him up in a limo and take him to school as a part of the NFL's Take a Player to School program.

The 49ers Pro Bowl linebacker arrived at Nicholas' home around 8:15 a.m., met the family and then jumped in a stretched limo to arrive in the back playground area in front of 130 students from Vallejo Mill Elementary School.

Once at school, Nicholas and Willis exited the limo to a standing ovation of over 130 elementary school students.

Nicholas was the lucky winner of NFL's Take a Player to School sweepstakes where he wrote an essay for the ultimate show and tell – a chance to take a local NFL player to school.

Willis and Nicholas headed into the multipurpose room where the Principal Ulloa introduced Nicholas, who then in turn introduced the Pro Bowl linebacker to his entire school.

Willis understood the importance of a day like this to the nine year old, which is one of the main reasons he took time out of his day to give Nicholas this once in a lifetime opportunity.

When asked how he felt about his entrance Nicholas responded with, "Pretty happy, excited!"

Willis spent time on stage speaking to the youth about the importance of being active for at least 60 minutes a day, working hard and eating healthy.

Willis spent approximately 45 minutes with the students doing physical activity drills during their physical education class.

Willis' visit not only gave one child, Nicholas, and most likely others, a lifelong memory but it hopefully also helped to encourage the youth to exercise more through Play 60.