Fan mail address
Ken Willard
3071 Vistapoint Rd
Midlothian, VA 23113-3928
USA
Address information
(Home Address)
3071 Vistapoint Rd
Midlothian, VA 23113-3928
USA
Ken Willard is a former professional American football player, best known for his exceptional career as a running back in the NFL. Over his 11-season career, Willard played for the San Francisco 49ers and the Washington Redskins, earning recognition for his hard-nosed running style, versatility, and contributions to his teams’ offenses. He was known for his balance, vision, and ability to pick up yards in critical situations. While he may not have garnered the same level of fame as some of his peers, Willard’s legacy is marked by his consistent production and his place in NFL history as one of the most reliable and steady running backs of his era.
Ken Willard was born on October 15, 1946, in Savannah, Georgia, and grew up in a sports-oriented family. His athletic ability was evident from a young age, and he went on to play football at the University of North Carolina, where he became a standout running back for the Tar Heels. During his time at North Carolina, Willard established himself as one of the best players in the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC). He finished his college career with impressive statistics, earning All-ACC honors and showcasing his skill as both a runner and a receiver out of the backfield. His college performance caught the attention of NFL scouts, and he was selected by the San Francisco 49ers in the first round of the 1968 NFL Draft with the 10th overall pick.
Willard quickly made an impact in the NFL, joining the 49ers for the 1968 season. In his rookie year, he proved his worth by rushing for 1,015 yards, making him one of the league’s top running backs. His success as a rookie was a harbinger of what was to come. Willard’s ability to gain tough yards and his durability helped solidify his role as a key component of the 49ers’ offense. He played in San Francisco for eight seasons, from 1968 to 1975, and established himself as the team’s primary offensive weapon. Throughout his time with the 49ers, Willard was known for his vision, ability to break tackles, and his ability to make plays both on the ground and in the passing game.
