LONGVIEW, Texas — Representatives from Longview, including the Lobo football team leaders and city officials, came together to encourage and congratulate hometown legend San Francisco 49ers offensive tackle Trent Williams ahead of Super Bowl LVIII.
Williams, a Longview High School Lobo alumni, and his teammates will take on the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday during the NFL's biggest game of the year. The game kicks off at 5:30 p.m. on CBS19.
In a Facebook video shared by Longview ISD, Lobo coaches, the football team, cheerleaders, the Longview Viewettes and other LISD staff along with the mayor and the city council celebrated Williams for his hard work and community service.
Athletic Director and Head Football Coach John King, standing alongside coaches John Berry and Oscar Wilson, pointed out how they're the three guys still left from Williams' playing days as a Lobo.
"You've made us proud. Good luck at Super Bowl LVIII and you go get that ring," King said.
The three coaches then exclaimed, "Go Lobos!" in unison.
King with the 2024 football team said Williams has been great to Lobo football and has always made the football team proud. The team then shouted, "go get a ring!"
Mary Taylor, principal at Longview ISD's Foster Middle School, thanked Williams for continuously giving back to his alma mater and the Longview community.
"Trent, you took the start you got in Longview and you built it and you've launched yourself to be at the top of your craft," Taylor said. "We love you, here at Foster. Go 49ers! Bang, bang!"
Mayor Andy Mack called Williams the epitome of what a young man and adult should be. He also praised Williams for being a role model who is generous to the community and has never forgotten where he came from.
"All those things make you the winner that you are, Trent," Mack said. "I'm so proud to know you (and) know your family, and I know you're going to represent Longview as you always have. From the city of Longview to Longview High School, man go get 'em big guy. Only you can do this. I know you got it."
Longview District 2 City Councilwoman Nona Snoddy said Williams "stopped, dropped and rolled (his) way" into the Super Bowl.
"I can't say anything but I am so very proud of you. I'm ecstatic. I hope and pray that God blesses you, that you guys bring home the W. And even if you don't, you're already a winner," Snoddy said. "So good luck, nephew! May God continue to bless you and order your steps."
Longview District 3 City Councilman Wray Wade said all of Longview is rooting for Williams. He recalled meeting Williams long ago as he was heading to college.
"I can remember meeting you a while back with your dad. He was working on a car for you and you were getting ready to go to college. It was your freshman year and now look where you are now," Wade said. "We're all so proud of you. Once a Lobo, always a Lobo!"
Longview District 1 City Councilman Temple Carpenter III told Williams all of his hometown is proud of him, even those at Pine Tree.
"We're all rooting for you, Mr. Silverback," Carpenter said.
Longview District 5 City Councilwoman Michelle Gamboa congratulated Williams on the huge accomplishment of reaching the Super Bowl.
"We're so grateful that you, Trent Williams are from here," Gamboa said. "So go out, win the Super Bowl and make Longview proud."
Also featured in the video giving praise to Williams are Foster Middle School students and staff, Lobo cheer teams, Longview High School administration, the football team staff, the Lobo transportation team and the Longview High School Viewettes.
Boys and Girls Club of the Big Pines CEO Chad Patterson thanked Williams for his legacy of giving to the community and encouraged him to go after the win.