Former BYU LB Fred Warner Says He’s Focused On Being Ready For NFL Season Despite Pandemic

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – Former BYU and current San Francisco 49ers linebacker Fred Warner said that despite the coronavirus pandemic affecting the NFL offseason, he’s focused on “making sure” he’s “ready for the season.”

Warner spoke with reporters during a conference call on Friday, May 8.

“Just continuing to grow myself as a person and my game. I think that’s the best thing I can do right now,” Warner said of his offseason. “I don’t really know what the future holds for that situation. There’s a lot of people behind the scenes working on that and know a lot more about it than I do. So I’m gonna focus on making sure I’m ready for the season.”

During the call, Warner discussed how he’s been training this offseason despite the pandemic.

“I’ve been in Orange County for the majority of the offseason. My place I workout is called Proactive. They’ve continued to be open. They’ve been abiding by the CDC guidelines and making sure that’s all good to go and so just been at it hard,” Warner said. “Making sure I’m just being disciplined in what I’m eating nutrition-wise. Working on different mobility. Range of motion things outside of the weight room. Obviously getting out on the field running and doing position work now that OTAs are starting. Just trying to mimic as close to what a regular offseason would be like.”

HOT HANDZZ ‼️@fred_warner with the pick 6! #GoNiners pic.twitter.com/OvfSkJM4m7

— San Francisco 49ers (@49ers) December 22, 2019

This offseason the Niners traded one of their star defensive players, DeForest Buckner to the Indianapolis Colts in exchange for the No. 13 pick in the 2020 NFL Draft.

Warner was asked if and how he plans to adjust to Buckner’s loss and how that affects the linebacker’s leadership on the team.

“I don’t think I’m gonna have to change a bunch of what I do. Honestly, I think at the end of the day, you know, leaders are consistent. They’re consistent in the way they come to work every day, in the way they play. and you know everybody else kind of sees that and wants to replicate that at the end of the day,” Warner said. “I hold myself to a very high standard and I’m gonna hold the rest of the team to that standard. Just continuing to grow myself as a person and my game. I think that’s the best thing I can do right now.”

In the absence of DeForest Buckner, Fred Warner says, “I hold myself to a high standard and I’m going to hold my teammates to a high standard.” #49ers pic.twitter.com/4O7B5X3Ylj

— Tracy Sandler (@49ersfangirl) May 8, 2020

The BYU product recently completed his second professional season with the Niners. Warner helped San Francisco to a 13-3 regular-season record and an NFC title. The 49ers were defeated 31-20 by the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl LIV.

In his two seasons with the Niners, Warner has recorded 262 total tackles, 185 solo tackles, 3.0 sacks, 4 forced fumbles, 1 fumble recovery, 2 interceptions, and a touchdown in 35 games played.

Following his college career at BYU, Warner was selected by San Fransisco with the 70th overall pick during the third round of the 2018 NFL Draft.