Willis played college football at UCLA and during his career there, he made 21 appearances with 24 receptions for 248 yards and three touchdowns.

[1] He was released from the team's practice squad on September 17, 2008 to make room for defensive tackle J'Vonne Parker.

Willis was signed to the practice squad of the Denver Broncos on December 23, 2008 and remained there through the end of the season.

The following year, Willis was waived during final cuts on September 5 and re-signed to the team's practice squad.

[2] On October 17, 2010, in a game against the New York Jets, Willis suffered a broken foot, and was placed on the season-ending Injured Reserve.