BC Mourns the Passing of Fred Willis '71

CHESTNUT HILL, Mass. -- Former Boston College football running back and 1977 inductee to the Varsity Club Hall of Fame Fred Willis '71 passed away on July 4 at the age of 75. A two-sport athlete as a letterwinner in ice hockey, Willis was BC's first 1,000-yard rusher and established the career rushing record as the first 2,000-yard rusher in program history.

A product of Marian High School in Framingham, Willis rushed for 1,107 yards in his senior season and finished his career as the Eagles' all-time leading rusher at 2,115 yards in just three varsity seasons. He was named an All-America and All-East selection as a senior and honored with the Bulger Lowe Award for the best player in New England in 1970. He participated in the Senior Bowl and Blue-Gray Game following the 1970 season before moving on to professional football.

Willis was selected in the fourth round of ther 1971 NFL Draft by the Cincinnati Bengals. He enjoyed a six-year career between Cincinnati and the Houston Oilers from 1971-76. He amassed 2,831 yards and 18 rushing touchdowns in his career, while adding 203 receptions for 1,380 yards and another five touchdowns.

Following his playing career, Willis was inducted to the Boston College Varsity Club Hall of Fame in 1977.

A successful restaurateur beyond his football career, Willis would establish several successful restaurants both locally and nationally. He also gave back to the game as founder and executive director of NFL Player Brains Matter and founder, president and CEO of HPN Neurologic, where he fought on behalf of NFL players suffering the symptoms of CTE.

Willis is survived by his wife of 16 years Darlene, five children, two stepchildren and their families.

Services will be held on Wednesday, July 12 at 9:30 a.m. at the Conway-Cahill-Brodeaur Funeral Home in Peabody followed by a funeral mass at St. Adelaide's Church at 10:30 a.m. also in Peabody. Visiting hours on Tuesday, July 11 are from 4 to 8 p.m. at the funeral home.

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