Willis played four seasons for the University of West Georgia and totaled 126 tackles, 20.5 sacks and six forced fumbles for the Wolves. He was twice named an All-Gulf South Conference selection.
In 2009, Willis signed with the Calgary Stampeders where he recorded six sacks in his first nine games.
Winnipeg Blue Bombers
He was then traded to the Winnipeg Blue Bombers in a package trade,[5] where he recorded another four sacks with the Blue Bombers. In his 2010 campaign, Willis started all 18 games and recorded 11 sacks. During the 2011 CFL season, Willis started all 18 games for the second consecutive year and set a new career high with 13 sacks. His performance earned him his first CFL East Division All-Star nod and recognition on his first CFL All-Star team a short while later.[6][7]
After not being re-signed following one season with the Roughriders, Willis signed a three-year contract with the Edmonton Eskimos on February 15, 2013 (The first day of CFL free-agency). In his first season with the Eskimos Willis played in 13 of the 18 regular season games. He would finish the season with 22 tackles, 9 quarterback sacks and 1 fumble recovery. Willis' play improved again the following season, earning himself his second CFL All-Star award and his first CFL West All-Star award. His 13 sacks put him tied for 2nd place for most sacks on the season; he also had 32 tackles, 2 interceptions (one for a touchdown) and a fumble recovery. Following the 2014 CFL season, Willis re-signed with the Eskimos.[9]
Ottawa Redblacks
On February 2, 2018, Willis was traded to the Ottawa Redblacks for fellow defensive lineman, Jake Ceresna. His tenure with the Redblacks lasted 17 minutes.[10]
BC Lions
Shortly after he was traded to the Redblacks, Willis was again traded on February 2, 2018 back to the West Division to the BC Lions for a fourth-round pick in the 2018 CFL Draft and a negotiation list player.[11] Willis continued to perform as a pass rushing threat, recording 11 sacks over the season, a personal best since the 2014 season. Following the season Willis re-signed with the Lions for the 2019 CFL season.[12] In 2019, Willis was switched to defensive tackle mid-season, contributing to lower than usual production of four sacks on the year, but he still managed to pass the milestone of 100 career sacks. He became a free agent in 2020, but did not play due to the cancellation of the 2020 CFL season.
Toronto Argonauts
On February 12, 2021, it was announced that Willis had signed with the Toronto Argonauts.[13] He was placed on the suspended list on July 20, 2021.[14] He began the season on the suspended list before moving to the practice roster in week 2 of the regular season, but was released on August 17, 2021.[15]
