The 49ers made Willis the No. 11 overall draft pick in 2007, and he spent eight seasons with San Francisco before retiring after the 2014 season. He was named to seven Pro Bowls and is a five-time first-team All-Pro.
San Francisco made Young the No. 7 overall draft pick in 1994, and he spent 14 seasons with the team. He was named to the Pro Bowl four times and was a first-team All-Pro in 1996.
Other former 49ers listed as semifinalists include wide receiver Anquan Boldin and running back Ricky Watters. Boldin is among seven first-year eligible players. The others are wide receivers Andre Johnson and Steve Smith, wide receiver and kick returner Devin Hester, defensive linemen Robert Mathis and Vince Wilfork, and linebacker DeMarcus Ware.
Below is a list of the 26 semifinalists, courtesy of Pro Football Talk. The next step is narrowing this group down to 15 modern-era finalists in January.
- Cornerback Eric Allen – 1988-1994 Eagles, 1995-97 Saints, 1998-2001 Raiders
- Defensive end Jared Allen, DE – 2004-07 Chiefs, 2008-2013 Vikings, 2014-15 Bears, 2015 Panthers
- Tackle Willie Anderson, T – 1996-2007 Bengals, 2008 Ravens
- Defensive back Ronde Barber, CB-S – 1997-2012 Buccaneers
- Wide receiver Anquan Boldin – 2003-09 Cardinals, 2010-12 Ravens, 2013-15 49ers, 2016 Lions
- Tackle Tony Boselli – 1995-2001 Jaguars
- Safety LeRoy Butler – 1990-2001 Packers
- Running back Eddie George – 1996-2003 Oilers/Titans, 2004 Cowboys
- Kick returner Devin Hester – 2006-2013 Bears, 2014-15 Falcons, 2016 Ravens
- Wide receiver Torry Holt – 1999-2008 Rams, 2009 Jaguars
- Wide receiver Andre Johnson – 2003-2014 Texans, 2015 Colts, 2016 Titans
- Defensive end Robert Mathis – 2003-2016 Colts
- Linebacker Sam Mills – 1986-1994 Saints, 1995-97 Panthers
- Defensive lineman Richard Seymour – 2001-08 Patriots, 2009-2012 Raiders
- Wide receiver Steve Smith – 2001-2013 Panthers, 2014-16 Ravens
- Wide receiver/special teamer Steve Tasker – 1985-86 Oilers, 1986-1997 Bills
- Running back Fred Taylor – 1998-2008 Jaguars, 2009-2010 Patriots
- Linebacker Zach Thomas – 1996-2007 Dolphins, 2008 Cowboys
- Wide receiver Hines Ward – 1998-2011 Steelers
- Defensive end DeMarcus Ware – 2005-2013 Cowboys, 2014-16 Broncos
- Running back Ricky Watters – 1992-94 49ers, 1995-97 Eagles, 1998-2001 Seahawks
- Wide receiver Reggie Wayne – 2001-2014 Colts
- Defensive tackle Vince Wilfork – 2004-2014 Patriots, 2015-16 Texans
- Linebacker Patrick Willis – 2007-2014 49ers
- Safety Darren Woodson – 1992-2003 Cowboys
- Defensive tackle Bryant Young – 1994-2007 49ers
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