Patrick Willis named NFL Alumni 2009 Linebacker of the Year

It looks like we've got a new award involving NFL Alumni called the NFL Alumni Team.  The players on this team are selected through a voting process in which former players cast ballots for their "modern counterparts." Former pros vote only for the positions they once played themselves.  NFL Alumni is a non-profit organization composed primarily of former NFL players who have joined to advocate for key issues affecting retired players such as medical, financial and career-transition needs while also supporting youth charities.

This year's team included our very own Patrick Willis.  The team is not a full roster but consists of five offensive players, four defensive players, one special teams player, and one coach.  The players and coach will be honored at a banquet in Hollywood, Florida where they'll receive their plaque from a member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame who once played the same position.  Maybe Samurai Mike will be there for Bamm Bamm.

The entire team is after the jump...

OFFENSE

• Quarterback-Drew Brees (New Orleans Saints)
• Running Back-Chris Johnson (Tennessee Titans)
• Wide Receiver-Andre Johnson (Houston Texans)
• Tight End-Dallas Clark (Indianapolis Colts)
• Offensive Lineman-Steve Hutchinson (Minnesota Vikings)

DEFENSE

• Defensive Lineman-Jared Allen (Minnesota Vikings)
• Pass Rusher-Elvis Dumervil (Denver Broncos)
• Linebacker-Patrick Willis (San Francisco 49ers)
• Defensive Back-Charles Woodson (Green Bay Packers)

SPECIAL TEAMS

• Special Teams Player-Joshua Cribbs (Cleveland Browns)

COACH

• Coach-Sean Payton (New Orleans Saints)