Willis Ends Retirement!

At one time, just saying the name Chad Willis to a league player would be a guarantee to elicit one of two reactions. People either loved or hated the man; virtually everyone feared him. On the field, he was known as “the Dennis Rodman of the league,” thanks to his bad-boy antics and rough playing style. Off the field, Willis was the head of security for Block International, and reportedly settled disputes with mafia-style tactics. His abrupt disappearance from the game shocked and confused most fans.

“It was a matter of fear in those days,” league veteran Dave Vermillion offers on Willis, “you knew it was serious if Chad was involved. He was the muscle behind the well-oiled Block machine, but it seemed as if he just sort of vanished one day.”

By the year 2000, several league infractions, a connection to an assassination attempt, and a stint in prison all seemed to be signs that Willis was about to implode. It seemed his cavalier lifestyle and Las Vegas sweet tooth had gotten the best of him. However, Willis was about to pull yet another rabbit out of his hat. Earning his keep and staying under the radar at first, the bad-boy of the league gained an ownership role in Chaos Athletic, signed several endorsement deals, and quietly expanded his political influence. These movements earned him a spot on Rollerchairball Quaterly Magazine’s Men of the Year list. Toward the end of 2001, it seemed everything Willis had a hand in turned to gold.

Yet by October, the shine seemed to be wearing off of Willis’ glittery lifestyle and, without notice, he virtually evaporated. Over five years passed with no word on his existence and most league enthusiasts could only cling to a few scattered reports of Willis sightings. Adam Bentz, a long-time Block player and league MVP puts it in perspective:

“[Willis] was the guy that struck fear into most people. He was crazy and unpredictable, so you can imagine how uncomfortable some people had to be knowing he’s out there somewhere.”

Although his disappearance was often overshadowed by a host of other big name retirements between 2000 and 2002, Willis’ departure still shook the foundation of the game. After the dust had settled and the confusion was forgotten, years passed without as much as a peep from Willis. By 2005, most league players did not even know his name. So it came as a big shock to veterans and rookies alike when the once wild-man showed up to play in the Zanes-Vegas tournament.

Although remaining tight lipped on his living situation, Willis appeared more jovial and quite reserved by comparison to his former self. He talked with players, signed autographs, and played several tame matches. Some say the taste of the more-reserved Willis is a small glimpse into a more relaxed lifestyle. Unnamed sources state that Willis has spent much of his time off playing a more administrative role in Block International, ridding his life of bad influences and quietly maturing. Others claim that the once-ruffian has been living abroad, specifically in Monaco, in an effort to escape his enemies. They say Willis did not return to showcase a more-welcoming personality, but because he was running out of money and wanted a shot at the tournament’s grand prize. The player took just a second to answer questions after he and his teammate, Jake Fletcher, lost a close bout.

“I’ve been around, but I’ve been really busy. It was good to get back into it.” He said. “My private life should stay private for now, because I’m not really at liberty to discuss a lot of things in public. I got invited here to play by league officials, was paired with a great teammate, and ended up having a great time. I’m sure I’ll be back again.”

With that, Willis joined the Block entourage as it left the venue, raising only more questions and sparking even more curiosity. Hopefully, the league and its fans will get more pieces to the Willis puzzle soon. Until then, it is well worth celebrating the return of a controversial legend of the game.



Posted on July 5th, 2007 by block and filed under RQ |

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