Trent Williams is making his return to the San Francisco 49ers heading into the 2025 season, and he is not planning to repeat the same mistakes he’s made in the previous campaign. In fact, the left tackle even hopes to continue playing for as long as he can to ensure that he would get the best chances to win in their games and even prove that he is indeed one of the top players to watch as well.

At the age of 36, Williams stands as a promising performer on the big stage for the 49ers, and it cannot be denied that he is also one of the aging players who is mulling retirement. However, it seems that he is holding back in that regard just yet – at least until he can cap off a promising feat that only a few NFL players manage to reach.

This season isn’t new for Williams, who has played 14 runs and yet still continues to impress at a high level in the game. In fact, the left tackle has proven himself to be one of the most elite linemen in the league, and moving into the latter half of his 30s is a good note considering that he is still a top player in the league right now.

Longevity Talks the Game

Being in the league since 2010, Trent Williams has earned a pro-bowl nod in 11 straight seasons starting in his third year. The only time he saw that run end was in 2024, which was also the same campaign where he missed seven games due to an ankle injury that has been a huge issue for his career. Still, Williams has managed to break into First-team All-pro selections from 2021 to 2023.

If you are not impressed, that latter feat came after he turned 30. It is easy to look at his achievements and give him his flowers. But knowing that he has done more and delivered even better, you can say that he has indeed deserves more credit with the way he continues to stay consistent and efficient in his career.

"I would love to play until I'm 40," Williams said. “It's one of the things where I'm going to do everything possible to play as long and put a good product of football out there, and then, when it's not going my way, then I know. But I could play until I'm 41, you know, who knows? But that is a goal of mine. I'm definitely not going to retire with something left on the table."

Considering that he can stay consistent at this point in his age, Williams does make a strong case to be one of the top players in the game right now.

A Promise of Efficiency

His age-37 season is set to unfold in the coming months. With Williams not slowing down just yet, it may be safe to say that he could still keep up the fire and continue elevating his play.

"I just feel like I do myself and my teammates a disservice if I'm looking toward the end," he said. "I'm paid, people count on me to be here now. We got goals and aspirations as a team. I just don't think putting brain power toward that helps us get to where we want to go.

On top of all that, maybe what drives Williams to stay on the hunt is the fact that he still lacks a specific hardware on his case. He has been in the All-Pro selections, but perhaps a Lombardi Trophy would do him well.