No matter how talented a quarterback is, every single signal-caller in the NFL needs some sort of security blanket. And for San Francisco 49ers QB Brock Purdy, that person is offensive tackle Trent Williams.
And that's obviously a pretty good one to have, as Williams is regarded by many as one of the greatest left tackles in NFL history.
So, when the 11-time Pro Bowler missed the Niners' final seven games of the 2024 campaign with an ankle injury, one of several season-ending ailments San Francisco was forced to deal with, Purdy was naturally distraught, as he expressed on a recent episode of the Bussin' With The Boys podcast. And while doing so, he also gave Williams a nickname that one wouldn't typically associate with someone who stands 6-foot-5 and weighs in at 320 pounds.
"Last year he got hurt towards the end, and it's just different," Purdy said. "Obviously, whoever gets thrown in, I trust and we're good... [but] he's locked down over there. He's my little safety blanket. I'm like 'I need my binkie' and I need him to be in the game."
I need my binkie? How freaking adorable is that? And if what Williams says about his future is true, Purdy may have his binkie for several more seasons.
Trent Williams has no immediate plans to retire
While Williams is set to turn 37 on July 19, the four-time All-Pro has no immediate plans to retire. In fact, he recently said he'd like to keep the pads on until he's at least 40, perhaps even longer if his body allows.
"I would love to play until I'm 40," Williams said. "I would love to make it to that special group. But if it's just not in my cards, it's not in my cards. But I'm going to do everything physically possible. I'm going to stay engaged, as you see, my first time here doing OTAs or even being at the offseason program in probably 10 years.
"So it's one of the things where I'm going to do everything possible to play as long and put a good product of football out there, and then, when it's not going my way, then I know. But I could play until I'm 41, you know, who knows? But that is a goal of mine. I'm definitely not going to retire with something left on the table."
Purdy will have his security blanket blocking his blind side for at least two more years, as Williams' current contract runs through the 2026 season. Beyond that, we'll obviously just have to wait and see what happens.
Until then, though, Brock & The Binkie (we really need to trademark that) will attempt to get the 49ers back to the Super Bowl.
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