However, from the time he joined the 49ers, Williams has taken on a larger role than just being a star left tackle. During his time with the Washington Football Team, Williams was tagged as an independent player who didn't demonstrate many leadership qualities, which may have led to his eventual unstable departure after the 2019 NFL season. Now, Williams has become a staple of the Niners' offense and a leader the team can turn to.
"I've been around for a long time and a ton of these guys on the team [have] been watching me play since they were in middle school or you know high school, so I think my role is just that kind of that emotional guy that has pretty been through everything in the NFL," Williams told Rich Eisen on the Rich Eisen Show.
"I feel like I can relate to every player in the locker room at some level. Whatever level they are or whatever phase they are in their career I feel like I can relate to them and that's just how I try to motivate them, by relating to the guys and just helping through everything. Again also I'm trying to lead by example and what I put into the game every day," Williams continued.
Another player on the 49ers that is having the best season of his career is third-year wide receiver Deebo Samuel. When asked about the physicality that the newly-minted All-Pro plays with, Williams praised his teammate.
"Deebo is special. He's not like any player I've ever seen," Williams said. "When I first saw Deebo last year when I was watching film from the previous year, I told him that I felt like he was one of the best people I've ever seen with the football.
"I've never seen a guy with that versatility other than Percy Harvin. He [Deebo] was one of the better guys I've ever seen in person and I think this year he just blew it out the water. We are very very blessed and lucky to have him on our team."
Part of Deebo's success this year is the coaching staff manufacturing touches for the star in order to get the ball in his hands as much as possible. Williams gives head coach Kyle Shanahan the credit for these schemes.
"Kyle being such a genius as an offensive-minded coach marries up perfectly with one of the unicorn weapons that we have in Deebo," the offensive lineman said.
Finally, Williams also confirmed the legendary story claiming that Deebo Samuel asked Shanahan to "give him the ball" just before scoring against the Cowboys.
"Exactly how it went. That's Deebo man, he's a competitor like no other," Williams added.
More San Francisco 49ers News
-
49ers All-Pro: 'Mac Jones is a glue guy'
San Francisco 49ers quarterback Mac Jones is entering his second season with the team and has already established himself as a favorite among teammates. Jones appeared in 11 games and made eight starts during his first year with the 49ers, throwing for 2,151 yards, 13... -
49ers All-Pro George Kittle: Mike Evans was 'cooking everybody' during OTAs
Mike Evans is expected to elevate the San Francisco 49ers offense in 2026, giving quarterback Brock Purdy a big-bodied red-zone weapon—arguably the best of his NFL career. While Evans has not typically participated in organized team activities (OTAs), which are voluntary... -
Donte Whitner believes 49ers' signing of Ashtyn Davis is a threat to Ji'Ayir Brown's starting role
When the San Francisco 49ers signed veteran safety Ashtyn Davis last week, the move didn't create the same buzz as some of the team's bigger offseason additions. But one former 49ers defensive player believes the signing could have a much bigger impact than many expect,... -
George Kittle bullish on 49ers' 2026 outlook and Mike Evans addition
San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle continues to target Week 1 of the 2026 season for his return after suffering an Achilles injury during last season's playoffs. Appearing on The Pat McAfee Show, Kittle said there is plenty of excitement within the organization about...