AQB Two-Minute Read: The Best Player You'll Ignore on Sunday
AQB Two-Minute Read: The Best Player You'll Ignore on Sunday
Friends, we’re all fired up to watch Sunday’s big game but few of us will pay much attention to the most decorated player on the field, an 11-time Pro Bowl selection who has redefined his position. Unless he makes a mistake, of course.
I’m talking about Trent Williams, San Francisco’s elite left offensive tackle. Thrice named first-team All-Pro, he is the man tasked with protecting quarterback Brock Purdy’s blind side. And he’s also one of the most athletic players in the sport at any position.
Trent is equal parts track athlete and bulldozer with healthy doses of Jack Bauer and Chuck Norris mixed in. Trent Williams doesn’t cross the street, the street crosses Trent Williams, and it asks for permission first.
He has long been viewed as the league’s best offensive lineman and some believe he is the best player in the league. Period. It’s hard to compare guys who play different positions but it’s hard to imagine anyone being better at his job than Trent is at his.
The funny thing about offensive linemen is that you usually only hear about them when something bad happens. Maybe they commit a penalty or give up a sack. But Trent is the rare o-lineman who jumps off the screen with his power and athleticism.
Like watching NUTMEG DAN work on a basket of cheese fries, it’s difficult to turn away.
Williams began his career with the Redskins - remember them? - after being drafted in 2010 by Mike Shanahan, who was in his first year with the franchise. The offensive coordinator was Mike’s son, Kyle, who quickly gained an appreciation for Williams and was a key factor in the star tackle eventually landing in San Francisco.
How impactful is Williams? Like pepperoni and sausage on a large pie. Consider this: in four of the Niners’ five 2023 losses, Williams played less than 50% of the offensive snaps, including the Christmas night loss to Baltimore. How’s that for value?
So, do yourself a favor tomorrow when you’re knee deep in queso and your pal who played JV football is going on and on about how his coach screwed up his future pro career. Take a moment or two and watch #71 in red, gold and white. Admire the technique, embrace the power and enjoy the non-stop effort. You won’t regret it.