Trent Williams, the future Hall of Fame left tackle for the San Francisco 49ers, is preparing for his 16th season in the NFL. He’s looking to be a major player in 2025! Approaching his 37th birthday on July 19, Williams has had the making for an unbelievable career. He’s equally optimistic when he reflects on the exhilarating road ahead. The repeat veteran is looking to play deep into his 40s competing for playoff wins at his peak value. He’s getting tips from future NBA Hall of Famer LeBron James on how to maintain peak performance as he gets older in this rigorous game.
Williams’ journey has not been without challenges. One year removed from a major contract dispute that resulted in him missing the entirety of training camp, it’s heartbreaking. And he actually managed to get his deal restructured. Now, he’s under a three-year, $82.66 million extension that includes $48 million guaranteed at signing. The guaranteed periods on this contract have run out. Even so, it is still weighed down by large cap numbers of $21.14 million in 2025 and $38.89 million in 2026. Beyond that, he has a forthcoming financial albatross of $28.3 million in void year related dead money looming for him in 2027.
Though Williams had challenge after the challenge to face contractually, he faced personal adversity. He suffered the tragic loss of his son, Trenton Jr., who was stillborn on Nov. 24. Through all these adversities, Williams has remained inspiring, courageous, and fierce. He doesn’t shy away from addressing the very real challenges that life throws at us and are often difficult to understand.
“Your faith has to get you through because there’s a lot of things that happen that humanly you don’t have the answer for it, you can’t make sense of,” – Trent Williams
Last year, Williams dealt with injury throughout, including missing the last seven games of the season with a left heel and ankle injury. Since then, he has reported on his full recovery. Now, he’s making plays in one-on-one drills as he takes part in the 49ers’ organized team activities (OTAs) and minicamp. Feeling back to full strength since February, Williams aims to re-establish himself as one of the league’s premier offensive linemen.
Williams has had an incredibly storied career, capped by 11 Pro Bowls and four All-Pro selections. Yet in looking back at all he’s done, he’s humble. As he prepares for the upcoming season, he remains focused on the present while acknowledging the impact of his past.
“So, every day, thank God for being able to have air in my lungs,” – Trent Williams
Williams knows that his path hasn’t come without barriers, he’s a firm believer in the power of having an optimistic perspective. “It’s very difficult, but my road I’ve traveled has always been difficult,” he said, highlighting his resilience amid adversity.
As he takes aim at what would be an incredible milestone of playing until age 40, Williams knows he doesn’t have forever. “I would love to make it to that special group, but if it is not in my cards, it’s not in my cards,” he acknowledged, indicating an acceptance of whatever may come next.
The new year carries major stakes for both Williams and the 49ers. As a two-time champion, Williams brings veteran experience and leadership to the team. He’s fully prepared to propel their success as they continue to build towards another consistent and competitive season on the field in the NFL.
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