ARLINGTON, Texas -- What Trent Williams experienced Sunday had been a long time coming.
Not only did the 49ers' left tackle receive All-Pro honors for the first time in his 11-year NFL career, but Williams finally experienced winning a playoff game when the 49ers edged out the Cowboys 23-17 in the NFC Wild Card Game on Sunday at AT&T Stadium.
“It feels better than any accolade that anybody could give me,” Williams said after the game. “It’s the best feeling in the world. Obviously it is short-lived. It’s a tournament and we have another big game next week but it’s the best feeling.”
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SIGN UP HERE The nine-time Pro Bowl left tackle admitted he felt like he was letting the 49ers down in Week 18, needing to rest the elbow he injured the week prior against Houston. Williams’ desire to play is never in doubt, but he knew that the team had a better chance with Colton McKivitz taking his place for the matchup.
While McKivitz allowed a total of four pressures -- two sacks and two hurries - it was still a commendable job for the sophomore lineman who was facing Rams All-Pro edge rusher Aaron Donald. The second-year pro also had not played an offensive snap since the final week of the 2020 NFL season.
“It felt amazing,” Williams said of the win. “I thank Colton because he played a great game last week and gave us a chance to be here. I had to take advantage of it. I felt terrible for not being there for my team last week so I wasn’t going to miss this game for anything.”
Kyle Shanahan knew part of the reason the 33-year-old was interested in being traded to the 49ers after the 2019 season was to finally have success into playoffs. Williams joined the 49ers during the offseason after their appearance in Super Bowl LIV.
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Unfortunately for all parties, the 2020 season did not go according to plan and the 49ers finished the year with a 6-10 record. The postseason was never in sight after the roster was devastated by an inordinate amount of injuries early in the season.
“I was so happy for Trent,” Shanahan said after the game. “I don’t think people realize how much Trent enjoys playing football. Anytime you have a guy that talented, and he is as talented as anyone on the planet, they can show up and do better than most people.
“What separates Trent is he enjoys it and tries to get after people. He loves playing and when he practices, he practices only one way. I know how upset he was last week. It meant a lot to him to get to the playoffs and for us to give him that chance.”
The 49ers will attempt to help Williams experience a second postseason win on Saturday night when they head to Green Bay to face the Packers in the NFC Divisional Playoff Game.