Fred Warner, NFL top linebacker, dominates the field and leads the 49ers with unmatched skill and resilience.
The San Francisco 49ers are preparing to bounce back in the 2025 NFLseason after a disappointing 2024 campaign. As training camp begins, the franchise remains focused on solidifying its status as the premier team in the <a href="https://www.buzzineintl.com/category/football/nfl/nfc/”>NFC. Central to this plan is their commitment to key players, especially Fred Warner, who has emerged as a crucial defensive leader for the team.
This offseason, the 49ers secured long-term futures for their core stars by offering significant contract extensions to Brock Purdy, George Kittle, and Warner. Warner’s development as a top linebacker in the NFL has drawn impressive attention, though opinions vary on whether he holds the very top spot at his position.
NFL.com Ranks Warner Second to Wagner Despite Stellar Credentials
Drafted in the third round in 2018, Fred Warner’s rise to elite linebacker status has been marked by four Pro Bowl selections and four First-team All-Pro honors since 2020. Widely recognized as a leader and skilled linebacker, ESPN analyst Jeremy Fowler recently named Warner the best linebacker in the league. However, NFL.com placed him second, trailing Washington Commanders veteran Bobby Wagner.
“Warner, who recently signed a three-year extension with the 49ers, is a freak athlete who routinely finds ways to impact the game,”
and added,
“His experience playing a hybrid linebacker/safety role in college helped him become a skilled player in coverage, but he can also lower the boom in the backfield and turn the ball over.”
Te’o emphasized Warner’s leadership on San Francisco’s defense, stating,
Image of: Fred Warner
“The unquestioned leader of San Francisco’s defense has compiled at least 125 tackles in five of his seven seasons, earning first-time All-Pro and Pro Bowl honors four times,”
further highlighting Warner’s consistency over his career. He also noted Warner’s ongoing impact with Robert Saleh returning as defensive coordinator:
“Warner shows no signs of slowing down in Year 8 and should continue his playmaking ways with Robert Saleh back as his defensive coordinator.”
Explaining Why Bobby Wagner Tops Warner in Ranking
Despite Warner’s extraordinary talent, Bobby Wagner’s place above him in NFL.com’s ranking is largely due to his longevity and sustained high performance. At age 35, Wagner enters the 2025 season following another outstanding year in 2024 with the Washington Commanders. His season included 132 tackles, two sacks, two fumble recoveries, and a forced fumble, earning him his 10th Pro Bowl and 11th First-team All-Pro designation.
Manti Te’o described Wagner as an exceptionally cerebral linebacker, noting,
“He is one of the most cerebral players at the linebacker position, which is why the 10-time Pro Bowler has been able to play at such a high level throughout his career,”
and explained,
“He’s great at dissecting plays and alerting the defense pre-snap, and his post-snap reactions are precise, as he rarely takes a false step. Naturally, the 35-year-old has slowed some, recording three of his lowest Pro Football Focus coverage grades in the last four seasons, but his ability to move efficiently has allowed him to stay near the top of the league in tackling, blitzing and run-stuffing.”
Impact of Two Linebacker Legends on the NFL
Both Fred Warner and Bobby Wagner have redefined the linebacker role in the NFL, setting a high bar for excellence and versatility. Each player’s combination of athleticism, intelligence, and leadership marks them as future Hall of Fame candidates. Their presence and performance continue to influence how the position is played, with fans and analysts alike recognizing their profound contributions.
As the 2025 season approaches, Warner and Wagner remain central figures to their respective teams’ defensive strategies. Fans can expect both players to continue impacting games at an elite level while inspiring the next generation of linebackers. The debate over who is the best linebacker highlights the remarkable careers both veterans have enjoyed so far.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Why does Fred Warner wear 54?
A. Warner shared with Matt Maiocco of NBC Sports Bay Area that he considered 54 when joining the NFL. Since single digits weren’t allowed like at BYU, where he wore 4, 54 felt right but wasn’t available.
Q. What is Fred Warner’s religion?
A. Warner grew up in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He told someone from his church, an alumnus of Brigham Young University, about his football dreams. This person helped send Warner’s highlight video to Kelly Poppinga, who became Warner’s main recruiter.
Q. What is Fred Warner’s ethnicity and race?
A. Here’s a bit about my background: my mom is partly Mexican, and my dad is part Panamanian and part African-American. This identity is important to who I am. Representing the Latino community is very meaningful to me.
Q. What ethnicity is Fred Warner?
A. Warner was born on November 19, 1996, in San Marcos, California. His parents are Laura and Fred Warner. He has one brother and one sister.
His mother is Mexican American, while his father is African American and Panamanian.
