Pat Williams hasn't been as outspoken this season, but the Vikings Pro Bowl nose tackle cut loose after Thursday's practice.

The 13-year veteran said he'll retire if the Vikings win the Super Bowl this season and will walk off the field wearing nothing but "tights and socks" after tossing his equipment to fans. Williams also said this Vikings team is playing so well that he "smells that trophy and an [rear end] whooping." It's obvious the three-time Pro Bowl selection feels on top of his game after a slow start to the season. Williams, 37, admitted a minor knee procedure last offseason hindered him early, but he's regained his form as a dominant run stopper. In the past two games Williams has registered 10 tackles, three tackles for loss, two pass breakups and a quarterback hurry. Vikings defensive coordinator Leslie Frazier said he and line coach Karl Dunbar adjusted Williams workload in practice to help preserve his body. "He's really stepped it up," Frazier said. "I think a combination of his getting his body and legs in football condition along with what we've done with his reps in practice have improved his play, which in turn has made us a better defense. The second half of the season he's really taken off and played like the Pat of old." Williams leaves the field in obvious passing situations and estimates he's still playing 30 to 35 plays per game. To him, that's the ideal amount, unlike Pro Bowl defensive end Jared Allen, who wants to be on the field for every play. "I'm good coming off the field," he said, laughing. "Jared ain't coming off. He's still young, but once he gets those years, he'll be like, 'OK coach, I'll take this break.' I'll take the plays." Williams addressed the team last week on the heels of its poor performance against the Arizona Cardinals, but he said that was nothing out of the ordinary. "Everybody respects me in the locker room," he said. "I'm just Pat. Everybody knows I'm going to say what's on my mind all the time." He was especially talkative Thursday when asked how he feels physically this late in the season. "I'm just having fun," he said. "Everybody is on the same page around here and I just feel it's close. I just come to work every day and smell that trophy. That's what I'm smelling right now is that trophy. I smell that trophy and an ass whooping. That's what I smell." He didn't say if he smells retirement too, but it sounds like he can see it. "I'm trying to win a Super Bowl," he said. "I'll quit then after I win the Super Bowl this year. I'll go into the sunset smiling. That's how you want to end it." Someone pointed out that he has one more season left on his contract. "It don't matter," he said. "That's all I want is that trophy. I'll walk off the field with my tights on because I'm throwing everything to the fans. Shoulder pads, helmet, everything. I'll walk off with tights and socks. That's how I'm walking off the field. I've been thinking about it all year."