Two players from the San Francisco 49ers have been named some of the best veterans in the National Football League.
Many people will say that football is a young man’s game due to the massive physical toll it takes on the body. However, multiple players have proven the theory wrong by playing well into their 30s.
Recently, NFL.com created a list of the top 30 NFL players over 30 going into the 2024 season, and two members of the 49ers have been named among the best of the best.
First on the list is offensive tackle Trent Williams, who was ranked second behind the Miami Dolphins’ Tyreek Hill. The third-oldest player and oldest non-quarterback on the list at 36 years old, Williams has proven to be the glue that keeps the San Francisco offense together, protecting star QB Brock Purdy and opening lanes for running back Christian McCaffrey.
Williams has earned more accomplishments after turning 30 than most players in their entire careers, appearing in three Pro Bowls, Super Bowl LVIII, and three-time First-Team All-Pro. And this was all after getting surgery to remove a cancerous growth from his head. At this rate, there’s no doubt he’ll achieve his goal of playing in the NFL until he’s 40.
The second 49er on the list is George Kittle. Ranked at No. 7, Kittle has 6,274 career receiving yards, the third-most for a tight end in their first seven seasons. On top of this, Kittle has proven to be one of the best blockers at his position. Yes, Travis Kelce may be more effective offensively, but no tight end is as well-rounded as Kittle.
San Francisco has held onto most of its players from its dominating 2023 season. With these two veterans leading the way, there’s no doubt they could make it back to the Super Bowl once again.
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