49ers should keep ex-GM Williams busy

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The less-than-hectic pace of Kenny Williams new role offers him ample time to enjoy life -- perhaps too much, he admits.

Fortunately for him, the ex-White Sox general manager and current executive vice president of baseball operations has two more weeks of football to keep him occupied before spring training begins.

Williams son, Kyle, plays for the San Francisco 49ers, who on Sunday earned a trip to the Super Bowl with a 28-24 win over the Atlanta Falcons. Though Williams wont attend the Feb. 3 contest against the Baltimore Ravens in New Orleans because his son is out for the season with an injury, the event promises to have his full attention.

As for the office, Williams said Tuesday he hasnt totally adjusted to the first offseason since October 2000 in which he hasnt constructed the White Sox roster.

I sleep a lot better, Williams said at Hyde Park High School after he and Bulls GM Gar Forman spoke to a dozen at-risk young men as part of the BAM (Becoming A Man) program. I honestly have more of a life, but I do miss being in the mix to a greater degree and I'll have to find some balance that way to make sure I don't drive myself crazy.

Williams has been involved in the White Sox decisions this offseason, Rick Hahns first as GM. Hahn still turns to Williams, who was the GM for 12 seasons, for advice and input on personnel decisions. But it isnt quite the same, said Williams, who led the White Sox a .500-or-better record in nine of 12 seasons and a World Series title in 2005.

I think that's been why I've felt such of a lull because it's been the offseason and I'm used to being, used to having conversations with all the other GMs and in some cases, owners, and all the various people that compose an organization, Williams said. I'm there for Rick and he reaches out often, but that's just a small part of the day, so I've got to fill some other time some kind of way.

Williams has taken advantage of his new-found spare time to become engaged to CNN anchor Zoraida Sambolin. He also has enjoyed keeping up with the 49ers, though less so after Kyle tore a ligament in his left knee at New Orleans on Nov. 25.

Williams had 14 catches for 212 yards and a touchdown through 11 games this season and was likely to surpass last seasons 20 grabs with Colin Kaepernick at quarterback.

Though Williams has been relegated to the sideline since he underwent season-ending surgery, his father is proud of the way he has shown leadership in other ways even though hed prefer to be preparing for the Super Bowl. One outlet has been Twitter, where the younger Williams has become his teams biggest cheerleader.

He feels good about his contribution while on the field but realizes he has leadership value to his to his team even though he is still unable to play, Williams said. Im proud of him for that.

As for the game, Williams said he told his son he would attend if he were playing but informed himI'm not gonna go watch to see you standing on the sideline.

That wont reduce Williams rooting interest, however. Even though he has indicated loyalty in the past to the Oakland Raiders, Williams has assumed a seat on the 49ers bandwagon.

It would be kind of unique to have a World Series and Super Bowl ring in the family, Williams said. Not sure there are many, if any, that can say that.

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