Fred Warner

BIOGRAPHY

Fred Warner was born on November 19th, 1996, in San Marcos, California. He is a linebacker in the NFL. 

Warner attended Mission Hills High School, in San Marcos, California. He was named All-California First Team, Cal-Hi Sports All-State First Team, Avocado East League Defensive Player of the Year, and the All-San Diego Section Defensive Player of the Year.

Warner caught the attention of BYU coaches after a die-hard BYU fan and family friend sent Warner’s highlight tape to the coaches. He was later offered a scholarship. Warner was roommates with his younger brother Troy, who played cornerback. Warner was a three-year starter and his seven career interceptions rank second in school history among linebackers. In December 2017, Warner graduated as an exercise and wellness major.

Warner credits his mother, Laura, as the number one influence in his life. He notes that his mother raised him and his siblings all by herself while making sacrifices along the way. Laura was by Fred's side as he was selected by the 49ers in the third round. Throughout training camp, Warner competed against Brock Coyle to be the starting middle linebacker, and head coach Kyle Shanahan awarded him the starting job. He played alongside outside linebackers Mark Nzeocha and Malcolm Smith, starting in all 16 games his rookie season. Warner’s 124 total tackles finished 12th among all players and third among all rookies in 2018.

Warner announced he would change his number from 48 to 54 for the 2019 season, after the departure of Cassius Marsh. In Week 10 against the Seattle Seahawks on Monday Night Football, Warner recorded a team high 10 tackles, sacked Russell Wilson twice, and forced a fumble on offensive tackle Germain Ifedi which was recovered by teammate DeForest Buckner for a 12 yard touchdown in a 27–24 overtime loss. Two weeks later, Warner recorded 11 tackles, a tackle for loss, and strip-sacked Aaron Rodgers in a 37–8 victory over the Green Bay Packers, earning NFC Defensive Player of the Week honors. Warner was named the NFC Defensive Player of the Month for his play in November. During Week 16 against the Los Angeles Rams, Warner recorded 11 tackles and an interception off a pass thrown by Jared Goff which he returned for a 46-yard touchdown in a narrow 34–31 victory. During Super Bowl LIV against the Kansas City Chiefs, Warner recorded seven tackles and intercepted a pass thrown by Patrick Mahomes during the 31–20 loss. He was ranked as #70 by his peers on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2020.

Warner was placed on the COVID-19 reserved list by the team on August 31, 2020, before he was activated on September 9, 2020.

In Week 3 against the New York Giants, Warner recorded his first interception of the season during the 36–9 win. In Week 16, Warner racked up 14 tackles, three passes defended, a forced fumble and a fumble recovery in a 20–12 win over the Arizona Cardinals, earning NFC Defensive Player of the Week. In Week 17 against the Seattle Seahawks, Warner led the team with 10 tackles and recorded his first sack of the season on Russell Wilson during the 26–23 loss. The season culminated in Warner earning his first Pro Bowl selection, and first ever honor as AP First Team All-Pro.

On July 21, 2021, Warner signed a record-breaking five-year extension with the 49ers worth $95 million along with $40.5 million guaranteed.

In Week 5 of the 2023 season, against the Dallas Cowboys, Warner made a team-leading eight solo tackles, one interception, one forced fumble (on running back Tony Pollard), and a sack on quarterback Dak Prescott. The 49ers won at home 42–10.