San Francisco 49ers offensive tackle Trent Williams is among the greatest players to ever play the game at his position. An 11-time Pro Bowler, it’s Williams’ constant hunger for knowledge and improvement that keeps him playing at an incredibly high level at 36 years old. An induction into the Hall of Fame is in his future—assuming he ever stops playing.
Williams recently spoke exclusively with The Draft Network while discussing his partnership with Campbell's Chunky and their Chunky Sacks Hunger relief program. Williams discussed Kyle Shanahan’s playbook, what keeps him motivated after so many accolades, the play of Jordan Mason and Dominick Puni, and more.
JM: You're here today fighting food inequality on behalf of Campbell's Chunky and the Chunky Sacks Hunger relief program. Why is this cause so important to you?
Trent Williams: Tackling hunger is so important in America. I think we as Americans need to always come together and help the less fortunate. As a nation, we can achieve some incredible things when we stick together.
There’s no reason why we shouldn’t tackle hunger. It’s a problem in our country I hold near and dear to my heart. It’s an issue that should be much smaller than it is.
JM: We love that. What an outstanding team win over the New England Patriots on Sunday. Do you feel like this team is beginning to hit its stride?
Trent Williams: I wouldn’t say we’re hitting our stride. It was a good win to get us back on track. We still have some [injured] guys we’re looking forward to getting back. We’re 2-2 after four games. That’s nothing to really write home about.We have to continue stacking good days.
JM: That’s a great point. Speaking of, what have you seen from Jordan Mason this season? He was thrust into a difficult situation when Christian McCaffrey went down, but he's made the most of his opportunity.
Trent Williams: Jordan Mason has been one of the best running backs in the league through four games. That goes without saying. It’s nothing new to us. Jordan has been here for a few years now and we’ve always been impressed with him.
He’s closed out games for us in the past. He’s always taken advantage of the opportunities that came his way. I don’t recall seeing a lot of negative plays with the ball in his hands, even in past seasons.
Mason’s production right now, it hasn’t surprised anybody in our locker room. We’re so happy for him. He’s a great kid, a very humble kid. He deserves this opportunity and all of the success coming his way.
JM: He’s been awesome. Dominick Puni is a young guy starting up front for you guys. As the veteran leader, how impressed have you been with him?
Trent Williams: I’ve been extremely impressed with Dominick Puni. Obviously I didn’t get a chance to work with him closely during training camp as I was dealing with my little [contract] situation.
These last three, four-and-a-half weeks I’ve been here, I’ve been super impressed with Puni. I’m impressed with the way he approaches work and retains information. I’m impressed with how poised he is as well.
A lot of young offensive linemen can’t handle what goes on in the trenches at this level. He’s been a great player for us so far. He’s helping us produce offense up front.
JM: It’s no secret that head coach Kyle Shanahan has one of the best playbooks in the league. What’s your favorite play call in his playbook? What’s something you get excited about running out of the huddle?
Trent Williams: Me personally, I love getting out in space. Anytime we get a little pin and pull, or anything that lets me get in space. I love making a difference out there on the edges. I light up when I hear those play calls (laughs).
JM: You’re so damn special in space. You’ve been as productive as ever here in your 15th season. What’s been your secret to achieving long-term success in a league that, as you know, can move on from aging veterans so quickly?
Trent Williams: You’re right about that bro (laughs). For me, I’m never satisfied. That’s what it boils down to. I’ve never stopped going to school, meaning I’ve never stopped learning from those around me.
I never stop learning. My hunger for knowledge is as strong as ever. I’m always looking for different ways to leave my mark on this game. I’ve never settled for less. There’s always more success and more accolades to chase. I’ve always seen myself as a player that continues to learn and continues working his butt off.
When it’s all said and done, I want people to say Trent Williams was the best left tackle to ever play the game. That’s my motivation. That’s what keeps me going.
JM: This has been outstanding. Thank you so much for taking the time to speak with us today on behalf of Chunky Sacks Hunger. It’s truly been an honor. What are your goals for the remainder of this season?
Trent Williams: It’s been my pleasure! We have to continue improving every single week. I’m going to be the catalyst, the leader in our locker room. I want to be that consistent guy that everybody looks to.
That’s how I carry myself. Once we start stacking these victories, everything will start falling into place.
