Trent Williams recently became only the eighth offensive lineman in NFL history with at least 11 Pro Bowl selections. While he may not catch up to Bruce Matthews, who had 14 career selections, he is within striking distance of tying the No. 2 spot occupied by Randall McDaniel, Jim Otto, and Will Shields. Each has 12 selections.
Williams is one of four offensive tackles to earn 11 Pro Bowl selections. The others are Anthony Muñoz, Jonathan Ogden, and Willie Roaf. One more, and he will stand alone at his position. Matthews did play some tackle early in his career but was best known for his work along the interior of the offensive line.
Every offseason, fans worry that Williams may opt to end his Hall of Fame career. You can rest easy this offseason. The veteran offensive lineman has no plans to call it quits. When asked if he plans to return for the 2024 season, Williams responded, "Oh yeah, 100 percent."
What was Williams' reaction to being named to the Pro Bowl for the 11th time and joining such elite company?
"I'm not an emotional guy," Williams said. "I didn't cry or nothing, so don't go writing that, but it did take me back a little bit. I remember just dreaming about making my first Pro Bowl and just thinking, What do I have to do to get in that conversation? What do I have to do?
"And then now, fast forward ... I'm in my 11th straight Pro Bowl (there was actually a one-year gap in 2019). And it's one of the moments where you're kind of like, you're working so hard, you're working so hard, you look back, and you're like, 'Dang, I accomplished all that.'
"I want to break the record for tackles, and that's a big thing for me. So I definitely dropped to my knees and thanked God because that's not promised. You can have an amazing Hall of Fame career and still don't see 11 Pro Bowls. So I'm super proud of that."