Trent Williams knows he's destined to be a first-ballot Hall of Famer five years after he retires. But the San Francisco 49ers offensive tackle isn't focused on the end of his NFL career just yet. Instead, the 11-time Pro Bowl lineman is fully immersed in the present, doing everything he can to help the 49ers win a Super Bowl.
During an appearance on the "Rich Eisen Show" on Tuesday, Williams was asked how long he plans to play the game he loves.
"I don't think I'm going to put an expiration date on it," Williams told Eisen. "I think I'm going to just enjoy this process, enjoy the ability to wake up and live a dream, enjoy the ability to get out and play this child's game for king's ransom. I don't want to think about the end. I just want to enjoy every minute of it."
Williams, widely regarded as one of the best—likely the best—offensive linemen in football, is still performing at an elite level. And he isn't ready to start contemplating retirement. He made that very clear on Tuesday.
"I might look up, we might be five years down the line," Williams continued. "I might look up, it could be two years down the line. But, at this point, I don't even see the reason in looking towards the end. I'm 15 years in, and I know I don't have another 10 left, but I'm definitely not going to put a cap on it."
Eisen then asked Williams what keeps him motivated in a sport that can take such a physical toll, especially on players with lengthy careers.
"I'm from Texas, born and raised—Longview, Texas," Williams explained. "I'm groomed to play football. I've been playing football since the second grade. It's pretty much all I know. And I'm just chasing that perfection. I just want to be the perfect player.
"I just want to be the best offensive lineman to ever play the game. That fire is just still burning inside. So, as long as it's burning, I'm going to be playing."