Patrick Willis, standout linebacker for the San Francisco 49ers, has been making the most of his off-season since the Super Bowl.
Patrick has teamed up with Asics and their new “Colors that Run” line, helping men everywhere “Stand Out,” because we all know how important that is. His latest ad with Asics entitled “Juice Bar” launched today, and showcases the latest line from Asics, including the popular Noosa, Kayano and Nimbus styles available, at Foot Locker stores nationwide (since you’ll definitely want to buy these.)
We caught up with Patrick recently to discuss the Asics line, his life during off-season, and all things style. Our take-away from the interview? We want to see more Patrick Willis whenever possible.
Check out our exclusive below…
On doing a little something extra to stand out:
Patrick Willis: Really what I try to do extra to stand out is really to have my shoe game on point. I mean, it doesn’t really matter what I have on top. Just as long as my shoes are fresh. I feel like that’s all I need. I’m a big shoe person.
On being excited about the new Asics:
I am, I think those shoes are very, very comfortable. I just started working out again this week with the team. I’ve worn them everyday this week and they really felt good on my feet. I’m really glad to try a pair. I’ve always heard people talk about Asics, but I never really wore any. So this is my first time trying them out and I really like them.
On converting his teammates to Asics:
I actually have a teammate and all he ever wears is Asics. He loves them. He’s like, “Ay man, you should tell Asics that you wear a size, something, then maybe you could…” and I’m like “Man you know that’s not my size, but I’ll see what I can do.” I’ll see if I can get Asics to give all the guys a pair of shoes. That’s the goal.
On his experience with the Asics/Footlocker photo shoot:
The shoot was phenomenal. I worked with great people. I’m just really excited to be a part of the Footlocker/Asics campaign. Any time you have a chance to endorse something, especially of this caliber, especially with how Asics has been over the years with running and speeding and everything that goes with that, you know. I’m really excited.
On his personal style:
My personal style in general would be simple. I’m a simple dresser. Pretty much the basic colors are black, grey, red, black again. I ain’t gonna lie, I’m pretty basic when it comes to style. It’s basically like no matter what I’m wearing up top, my shoes are always exotic. I’m always gonna have a pair of shoes that are gonna be phresh. No matter what kind of shoe it is. If it’s gonna be a pair of Asics shoes, it’s gonna make my outfit look phresh.
I can be that type of guy that can be head-to-toe one solid color and my shoes are gonna be totally different.
On how he approaches the game of football:
My motto in the game of football when I’m on the field is: If you look good, you play good. I’m all about my specs being just right. I need both pant legs to be even across my knees. I need my jersey to make sure it’s not hanging over. I need my shoulder pads not hanging over too long. I need everything to be exact. I need my jersey to be just right how it lies around my waste. I am very very particular about that.
On how he spends his off-season:
I’ve been doing a lot of fishing. This week we just started working out with the team. I’ll be working out during the day and in the afternoon I’ll go fishing. I love bass fishing. I’ve been bass fishing. I’ve actually been catching some pretty good size bass fishes too. I’m on the ocean today, doing some deep sea fishing.
It’s super relaxing. It’s probably about the only place you can come and just do what you want to do and don’t have to be on someone else’s time or someone else’s conversation. You can just go ahead and relax and just fish and enjoy the peace and quiet and just be around some guys who can just look at you as just another guy. There’s no pressure because you’re a football player.
On any advice to young fans:
Advice to my young fans would probably be to believe. You have to believe in yourself. Believe in yourself first. If you believe in what you’re trying to accomplish, then you’ll leave no doubt for failure. That’s what I like to go by. I just always tell myself, I don’t think. I believe. My biggest thing is just believe in what you want and go do it.
Gel Noosa Tri 8 (green)
Gel Noosa Tri 8 (blue)
Gel Nimbus 15
Gel Kayano 19
