Perennial Pro Bowl left tackle Trent Williams is approaching the twilight of his storybook career.
Turning 37 years old in a matter of weeks, the San Francisco 49ers' future Hall of Famer won't be on the field for too much longer, and it's only a matter of time when the Niners have to identify his heir apparent.
According to Williams, though, it's not an imminent need.
Speaking from San Francisco's mandatory minicamp, the veteran revealed:
"I would love to play until I'm 40. I would love to make it into that special group. But if it's not in my cards, it's not in my cards. But I'm gonna do everything physically possible. I'm gonna stay engaged."
Trent Williams: “I would love to play until I’m 40... But if it’s not in my cards, it’s not in my cards. I’m going to do everything physically possible. As you see, this is my first time here doing OTAs for the first time in probably 10 years.” pic.twitter.com/2LKJaxY7TY
— 95.7 The Game (@957thegame) June 10, 2025
OK, that's a few years down the line. Although Williams' hope hasn't stopped speculation about potentially retiring before reaching that lofty goal.
If he does, though, Williams promised the 49ers one thing.
Trent Williams promised 49ers ample notice on retirement
Back in the early months of 2020, then-Niners left tackle Joe Staley quietly informed the team of his decision to retire, but the news was hushed in an attempt to make San Francisco not seem desperate to find an adequate replacement.
Turns out, the 49ers actually upgraded over Staley in the process, trading for Williams in a one-sided steal from the Washington Football Team, needing only a couple of modest draft picks to go back in exchange.
Staley's retirement announcement followed not long thereafter.
Whether or not Williams keeps quiet about his decision to retire is anyone's guess, but he did say he wants to give the Niners adequate notice.
"I should know when it's getting that time," Williams added. "And then, I do the responsible thing and let them know early enough so that they can make the adjustments needed."
At least Williams has a precedent in the Staley retirement. All San Francisco can do is hope he honors it.
Fortunately, nothing indicates Williams is looking at calling it a career anytime soon. And while he is far closer to 40 years old than 30 years old, he remains one of the NFL's best tackles playing today.
And he's earned the right to retire on his own terms.