He starred in football as well as in hockey, where he was a forward who led the team to an undefeated season, a league title, and the state tournament.
[2] Willis played both football and hockey at Boston College, he was one of a few athletes to excel in 2 sports at an elite level.
He was the first Eagles' running back to surpass 1,000 yards rushing in a single season when he totaled 1,107 his senior year.
On October 24, 1972 Willis was traded, along with fellow running back Paul Robinson, to the Houston Oilers for wide receiver Charlie Joiner and linebacker Ron Pritchard.
[1] Willis was the first running back in the history of the NFL to win the pass receiving title.
Fred Willis was a union representative and Executive Board member for the National Football League Players Association.