49ers Superstar Trent Williams Reflects on Devastating Super Bowl Loss

All-Pro offensive tackle opens up about the lasting pain of coming up short in the big game.

Published on Mar. 4, 2026

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San Francisco 49ers veteran offensive lineman Trent Williams has been one of the best players at his position for over a decade, making 12 Pro Bowls and five All-Pro teams. However, the one thing that has eluded him is a Super Bowl championship. In a recent podcast interview, Williams candidly discussed the devastating impact of losing the Super Bowl, saying the pain lasted for months and that he "would rather not go than go and lose."

Why it matters

Williams' raw honesty about the emotional toll of a Super Bowl loss provides a rare glimpse into the psyche of elite athletes who pour their heart and soul into chasing that elusive championship. His comments resonate with any competitor who has experienced the agony of coming so close only to fall short of the ultimate goal.

The details

Williams revealed that after the 49ers' Super Bowl loss to the Kansas City Chiefs, he "was under a rock for 3-4 months" and didn't even want to be seen in public. He got off all social media, saying he "found peace" and was "able to heal properly." The veteran tackle said the moment the game ended and he realized they had lost was "surreal" and the "worst pain ever."

  • The 49ers lost to the Chiefs in Super Bowl LIV on February 2, 2020.

The players

Trent Williams

A 15-year veteran offensive tackle for the San Francisco 49ers, Williams has been selected to 12 Pro Bowls and named an All-Pro five times, but is still seeking his first Super Bowl championship.

Andy Reid

The head coach of the Kansas City Chiefs, who defeated the 49ers in Super Bowl LIV.

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What they’re saying

“I tell people all the time, I'd rather not go than go and lose, because the pain of losing, that [expletive] lasts for months. That [expletive] last for months.”

— Trent Williams, Offensive Tackle, San Francisco 49ers (The Pivot Podcast)

“I didn't even realize it was over. I saw the touchdown, and I'm thinking 'Damn it couldn't have ended just like that.' Then I see Andy Reid running on the field, and I said 'Oh [expletive] it's over with.' I literally took my helmet off, and I threw it as far in the air as I could possibly throw it, so I probably threw it like 50 feet in the air. Then it donned on me, like oh [expletive] that could kill somebody. I'm literally trying to [expletive] catch my helmet. Then I went in, and I was like 'This [expletive].' It was the worst pain ever.”

— Trent Williams, Offensive Tackle, San Francisco 49ers (The Pivot Podcast)

What’s next

Williams is preparing to play another season at age 37 as he continues his pursuit of the first Super Bowl championship of his career.

The takeaway

Williams' raw, emotional response to losing the Super Bowl underscores the immense personal toll that falling short of a championship can have on elite athletes, even those who have achieved tremendous individual success. His comments serve as a powerful reminder of the deep passion and commitment required to compete at the highest level.