Willis says he can no longer toe the line

Persistent foot problems force 49ers icon to call it quits

His eyes swollen from crying and reciting scripture as he spoke of retirement, five-time All-Pro linebacker Patrick Willis bid farewell to football and called it one of his happiest days yet because he is leaving on his own terms.

His tender size-13 feet - "12 2\1 when they're bent" - can no longer handle the grind of NFL practices let alone the demands of game day.