02-08-2025
Former NFL LB says battling 49ers' superstar made him question his football future
San Francisco 49ers offensive tackle Trent Williams has been one of the best players at his position in the league since Washington took him in the first round (No. 4 overall) of the 2010 NFL draft after earning All-Big 12 honors twice and All-American honors once at Oklahoma.
Williams was named a starter right away in Washington and made the Pro Bowl every year there from 2012-18. He also earned second-team All-Pro honors once (2015).
Washington traded Williams to San Francisco in 2020, and he's made another four Pro Bowls and has earned All-Pro honors three times.
While Williams' legendary play on the field is discussed regularly around the league, it's always interesting to hear a player talk about what it's like to try to pass rush against the former Sooner. Former NFL linebacker Jonathan Casillas did just that in a recent appearance on "The Champ and the Tramp" podcast earlier this week.
"Y'all know Trent Williams? The left tackle? [Expletive] beast," Casillas said. "All week long, I know I'm going against Trent. Most tackles, I can beat because I'm faster and slicker than them. I can't beat Trent. He's too quick, and he's dirty. So, he's gonna grab me or push me, and I'm screwed because I'm not that big. He's got me by 100 pounds... That week, I know I have to go at him. I got to go into him, like boom and then go. So, during the game, I'm getting him. We're going at it. I'm banging with him. Then, after the game, I'm on the flight, and I can't turn my neck. This was the first time that my brain was like 'What the [expletive] are you doing?'"
Lining up against Williams in the trenches seems like hell, and it's no wonder that he had players contemplating their future in football after playing a full game against him.
Williams missed seven games in 2024, and if the 49ers want to reach their potential in 2025, they'll need Williams to not only be on the field but also need him to play like the 11-time Pro Bowler he is. He's already guaranteed a spot in Canton five years after he calls it a career, but continuing to play well into his late 30s will only add to his legendary resume.
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