49ers Fred Warner enters Year 7 feeling better than ever physically

The wear and tear of being a professional football player can be taxing as the years go by, unless you’re Fred Warner.

The San Francisco 49ers defensive captain enters Year 7 in the NFL feeling at peak condition physically. part of that can be contributed to taking part in the offseason programs without any hindrances. Warner explained that his knees have given him trouble over the years, regularly having PRP injections during the offseason to help with discomfort from long-term usage.

2024 is different however, entering the new league calendar without any issues in his lower body. Turning 28 this fall, the linebacker is reversing the clock on his body, taking pride in how he prepares each and every day.

Fred Warner on the 49ers defense getting back to their style of play 😤 pic.twitter.com/AKhvh5jvGv

— 95.7 The Game (@957thegame) June 5, 2024

“Just aging like fine wine really,” Fred Warner said during mandatory minicamp. “I take pride in taking care of my body. I think a big part of it is just always being curious, always looking for what new ways to recover and get better. As you [progress through the years], you kind of learn different things of how to recover, how to take care of your body. So, that’s kind of been helpful.”

Being a leader on an NFL franchise, especially the 49ers, means you have to look after more than just yourself. That includes his LB counterpart Dre Greenlaw.

Greenlaw has been recovering from a torn achilles suffered during Super Bowl LVIII. Because of the serious nature of the injury, and when it took place, the veteran will be shelved for a hefty portion of the 2024 regular season. And while other 49ers starters are also rehabbing at the moment (safety Talanoa Hufanga), all are expected to be ready to go by Week 1.

Except for Greenlaw.

Because of that, Warner checks in on him periodically, almost as devastated as he was when the injury occurred last February.

“I know it gets lonely.”

Fred Warner on how he’s been supporting Dre Greenlaw throughout his recovery pic.twitter.com/PORWJaMu1c

— 49ers on NBCS (@NBCS49ers) June 5, 2024

“He’s around, he’s rehabbing hard, he’s in the meetings with us still. You know, just kind of checking in with him, seeing how he’s going and making sure he still is involved because I know that it gets lonely,” Warner explained. “When you’re rehabbing a serious injury like that, you’re not as involved with the team, but I mean [he’s] very much obviously still a huge part of what we do.”

The 49ers’ front office has address depth concerns at the position, both internally and externally.

One of the Red & Gold’s big signings was former All-Pro De’Vondre Campbell, taking him away from NFC rival Green Bay Packers. Campbell will serve as the second option alongside Warner while Greenlaw is on ice. While he’s had a few down years due to injury, Campbell’s adjustment to 49ers’ scheme has been seamless thus far.

“He looks great, man,” Warner stated about Campbell. “I think obviously, he has that familiarity with this scheme, playing in Atlanta. A seasoned veteran who’s played at a high level in this league. I think he’s been great for the room, great for the group. He’s looked great in OTAs, so, he’s gonna just continue to keep working on those details heading into training camp.”

Besides those three, the options at linebacker are slim pickings on the 49ers’ roster. At least, many perceive it to be that way; Not Fred Warner.

Warner has been impressed by some of the young bucks taking the second-year leap, particularly Dee Winters. The 49ers’ captain went out of way to praise the TCU alum, suggesting that he could make a big push for minutes if training camp goes well.

Fred Warner says Dee Winters has had the best offseason of anybody since on this #49ers’ team. pic.twitter.com/0yoYexBQB7

— Larry Krueger (@sportslarryk) June 6, 2024

“I think Dee [has] probably had the best OTA out of anybody on the team,” the captain said. “I feel like he’s come along since last year. I remember he came in as a rookie, was struggling to learn the plays and trying to get in shape and all those little things that you got to learn as a professional. And that’s coming this year. And he’s been on it, making plays left and right, came in great shape this OTAs. He’s set himself up to have a great training camp.”

49ers 2024 Regular Season Schedule

• Week 1 – vs. New York Jets (MNF)
• Week 2 – @ Minnesota Vikings
• Week 3 – @ Los Angeles Rams
• Week 4 – vs. New England Patriots
• Week 5 – vs. Arizona Cardinals

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