Trent Williams Finds New Meaning in 49ers’ Crucial Catch, 5 Years After Cancer Scare
After overcoming his own cancer battle, Trent Williams, currently an All-Pro left tackle for the San Francisco 49ers, decided it was time to share his journey with others. During the 49ers’ annual Crucial Catch event, which was scheduled prior to San Francisco’s Week 4 victory over the New England Patriots, Williams joined cancer survivors on the red carpet, not just as a host but as a survivor himself.
Participating in this year’s event was a deeply personal decision for Williams. He explained to NBC Sports Bay Area, why the timing felt appropriate.
“I think time heals pretty much all,” Williams said. “Now, being that it was about five years, I don’t have any reservations about being open with my story. It was hard at first because you want to put something like that behind you and get back to normal life as soon as possible, but it’s hard to when you have to keep reliving the situation out through words.”
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DFSP, a rare form of scalp cancer, was diagnosed to Williams in 2019. His battle with the disease began before his diagnosis. In 2013, Williams noticed an abnormality on his scalp but did not immediately seek the necessary treatment because of a misdiagnosis. The situation had gotten worse by the time the correct diagnosis came years later, and Williams was advised to “get his affairs in order.”
The experience aided him in developing a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by those currently fighting cancer, which led to his participation in this year’s Crucial Catch event. Williams aimed to ensure that every survivor who attended the event had more than a memory. He spent an hour writing personalized messages on all 11 jerseys he gifted to survivors, making a simple autograph into a heartfelt keepsake.
“We were just talking about ways to make the day better, and I just came up with that plan,” Williams said. “I wanted it to be more than just a signature. I wanted everybody to have a little personalization to it. Just sort of so when they see it years down the line, it will remind them of the moment.”
Williams’ story is a testament to his strength, resilience, and leadership abilities, which are apparent both on and off the field. Wide receiver Deebo Samuel is both his teammate and close friend, has personally seen the mental fortitude it required for Williams to survive his cancer battle and return to the top of his game in the NFL.
“Just being around him, knowing the story, is motivation in itself,” Samuel shared with NBC Sports Bay Area. “Any day it can all be taken away, but the things he went through to continue to be the player, the leader, and the outstanding father that he is to his kids, the leader that he is to this team, it speaks volumes to what he’s been through and how he goes about his work.”
Williams’ experience has resulted in him becoming a reputable captain for the 49ers for five seasons. He has served as a team captain 12 times during his 15-year NFL career. Although his influence on the field is undeniable, the personal struggles he has faced off the field have cemented his role as a leader.
“That is just who he is,” Samuel said. “We want to be the voice for what people see because people look up to us. If people see that he can do it, it’s motivation for them to do it as well.”
Williams’ red carpet walk at the Crucial Catch event was not just a symbolic moment. The event was a testimony to his journey and a reminder of his connections with those who have faced similar trials. While reflecting on his experience with the event, a genuine smile spread across his face.
“It’s always nice to relate to people that have been through similar situations,” Williams said. “It was extremely nice. I enjoyed it.”
By sharing his story and giving back to the community, Trent Williams continues to inspire both on and off the field, reminding everyone that even in the face of adversity, there is always hope.
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