Dominick Puni has spent the past two seasons lining up next to one of the greatest offensive tackles in NFL history, and the San Francisco 49ers guard still hasn’t quite figured out how Trent Williams does it.
Speaking on 95.7 The Game, Puni described his admiration for Williams, who, at 38, is entering his 17th NFL season and still playing at an All-Pro level.
“I remember when I got drafted, I think one of the first things I thought was, ‘Man, I get to be in the same room as Trent Williams and just kind of see how he operates in the room and what’s his key to longevity?'” Puni said. “Honestly, he’s just — I would say he’s like not a real person, he’s just kind of like a… I don’t even know, like a mythical character.”
“He’s like not a real person. He’s just kinda like a mythical character.”
49ers offensive lineman Dominick Puni shares the ultimate praise of teammate Trent Williams | @WillardAndDibspic.twitter.com/hak5YJcYfT
— 95.7 The Game (@957thegame) August 6, 2026
Williams’ resume backs up the reputation. The five-time first- or second-team All-Pro and 12-time Pro Bowler has remained one of the league’s premier tackles well into his late 30s, a rarity at a position where the physical toll typically shortens careers. He earned Pro Bowl and second-team All-Pro honors again in 2025, his age-37 season.
“He’s in year what, 16, 15? I don’t even know, because guys will tell me they’re in Year 10 and I’m like, ‘Wow, that’s a long time,'” Puni said. “And then here comes Trent, who’s still playing at an All-Pro level, like 15, 16 years in. So, I mean, it is unbelievable. And the advice he gives every day is just awesome, so it’s great to learn from him.”
Puni’s own trajectory has made him a fitting pupil. The guard has quickly developed into one of the 49ers’ most reliable offensive linemen since entering the league, and he’s increasingly viewed as a foundational piece for San Francisco’s roster going forward.
With Williams anchoring one side of the offensive line and Puni developing on the interior, the 49ers have two building blocks — one a proven legend, the other an ascending star learning directly from him.
This article originally appeared on Niners Wire: Dominick Puni compares aging 49ers superstar to a ‘mythical character’
