Fred Warner
Federico Anthony Warner is a professional football linebacker. He was drafted by the San Francisco 49ers in the third round of the 2018 NFL Draft.
Warner started playing football when he was seven years old. He played high school football and, as a junior, was offered a scholarship to New Mexico State. He was raised in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and after mentioning his college and NFL football ambitions to his ward, a fellow ward member, who was an alumnus of Brigham Young University, helped to get his highlight reel to Kelly Poppinga, who became his lead recruiter.
A back injury ended his freshman season early, but in four years at BYU, Warner was a three-year starter and registered 264 total tackles, 32 tackles for loss, 6.5 sacks, seven interceptions (returning two for touchdowns), five fumble recoveries, three forced fumbles and 13 pass breakups. His seven career interceptions rank second in school history among linebackers. He graduated from BYU in December 2017 with a degree in exercise and wellness.
“The thing I always say about Fred is he loves football, and he loves the process of what it takes to be a great player as far as film study and weight training,” Poppinga said. “One of the best I’ve been around at just loving the process.”[1]
On June 13, 2018, Warner signed a four-year $3.97 million contract with the 49ers that included a $1.01 million signing bonus. At the end of the season he finished twelfth among all players with his 124 total tackles, and third among all rookies.
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.
He was placed on the COVID-19 reserved list by the team on August 31, 2020, and was activated on September 9, 2020. The season culminated with Warner earning his first Pro Bowl selection, and first ever honor as AP First Team All-Pro. In 2020, Poppinga said, “I just didn’t see it happening this quickly. I mean, he’s become an elite player. It’s not like he’s some average NFL dude — no. He’s a Pro Bowl type of guy.”[2]
On July 21, 2021, Warner signed a five-year extension with the 49ers worth $95 million.
“If you want to be a great player in this league, it takes those everyday things leading up the game,” he said. “It takes preparing day in and day out, and doing the little things right.”
The 49ers will play against the Chiefs again in Super Bowl LVIII (2024).
He married television personality and influencer Sydney Hightower in June 2022. Their first child, a son, will be born in March 2024.
