49ers All-Pro shuts down retirement speculation ahead of playoff opener

Nov 12, 2018; Santa Clara, CA, USA; A general overall view of the San Francisco 49ers logo at midfield at Levi’s Stadium prior to the game against the New York Giants. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

One San Francisco 49ers veteran is not ready for this to be his last dance.

Speaking with Eric Branch of the San Francisco Chronicle this week, Niners tackle Trent Williams shut down the rumors about him potentially retiring after the season.

“Oh, yeah,” said Williams when asked if he will be back in 2024. “One hundred percent.”

“I want to break the record for [most Pro Bowl selections for] tackles,” Williams said. “That’s a big thing for me.”

The 35-year-old Williams has been a rock on the left side of the line for the Niners these last four seasons. He is still one of the very best players at his position, making three straight First Team All-Pro teams in San Francisco. Williams has also been a Pro Bowl selection in every single season with the Niners, bringing him to 11 total for his career. As he hinted at, that is one off the all-time record for an offensive tackle of 12 Pro Bowls (currently shared by Jonathan Ogden, Anthony Muñoz, and Willie Roaf).

San Francisco is favored to come out of the NFC this year, especially now that foes like Dallas and Philadelphia have already been eliminated. That has led to talk that the 13-year veteran Williams might call it quits after the season. Williams is putting all that to bed though before the Niners’ playoff opener on Saturday, so we can look forward to more savage pancakes from him for at least another full season.