NEW ORLEANS (AP) — Two of the league's most imposing inside linebackers both happen to wear No. 52.
This story is about the other one.
Patrick Willis of the San Francisco 49ers already has done plenty to prove his is the dominant 52 on the left coast and beyond, having been an All-Pro in five of his six NFL seasons. After enduring years of losing, he finally gets to flaunt his talent on the NFL's biggest stage at Sunday's Super Bowl, where he'll meet up with ... you guessed it. ...
No. 52 of the Baltimore Ravens, retiring Ray Lewis.
Aside from the number, Lewis and Willis are as different as they come. Lewis is emotional, loud and brash. Willis is soft-spoken and happy to stay behind the scenes.
On the field, they each deliver pain the same way.
