Trent Williams: The Relentless Pursuit of 40

At 36, Trent Williams isn't just playing football—he's redefining the boundaries of age, ambition, and legacy. With the 2025 season on the horizon, the San Francisco 49ers' All-Pro left tackle isn't contemplating retirement; he's eyeing history.

Kirsten CollinsJune 11, 20251 Mins read14

49ers' Trent Williams would 'love to play until I'm 40,' says he won't retire with 'some left in the tank'

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Trent Williams stands at the precipice of history, not merely as an athlete but as a testament to resilience and defiance against time. At 36, most players are contemplating their final seasons, but Williams? He’s setting his sights on 40.

In a sport where the average career span is a fleeting moment, Williams’ ambition is audacious. “I would love to play until I’m 40,” he states, not as a wish but as a goal. His declaration isn’t just about extending a career; it’s about joining an elite cadre of athletes who have defied the conventional limits of age in the NFL.

But why 40? Why not 38 or 39? For Williams, it’s about legacy. It’s about proving that age is but a number and that greatness doesn’t have an expiration date. “If I’m 40 years old and I’m not at a Pro Bowl level, but I can help the team… then I’m going to be around,” he asserts. It’s a mindset that echoes the determination of Hall of Famers like Jackie Slater and Bruce Matthews, who continued to dominate well into their 40s.

Yet, the path to 40 isn’t without its challenges. The 2024 season was marred by injuries and personal loss, including the heartbreaking death of his son, Trenton. These trials could have led many to reconsider their future in the game. But not Williams. He returned to the field, not just to play but to excel, demonstrating that his spirit remains unbroken.

His commitment is evident. For the first time in a decade, he participated in offseason OTAs, signaling a renewed dedication to his craft. “I’m gonna do everything physically possible,” Williams declares, underscoring his relentless drive.

But as he eyes the horizon, questions linger. Can he maintain this level of performance as he ages? Will the 49ers continue to invest in his future? And perhaps most intriguingly, what does his pursuit of 40 say about the nature of ambition and legacy in professional sports?

As Williams continues his journey, one thing is certain: his story isn’t just about football. It’s about challenging the boundaries of possibility and redefining what it means to be great.