Fred Warner has become a cornerstone of the San Francisco 49ers, emerging as one of the best linebackers in football over the last few seasons. Just one of two players with 110 tackles, five passes defensed, two interceptions, a forced fumble, and a fumble recovery last season, the 49ers made Warner the highest-paid linebacker in football with a five-year extension.
Warner has picked up where he left off in 2021, leading the 49ers with 45 tackles and a pass defensed through five games. The 49ers linebacker has also entered a new business venture in 2021, partnering with Stitch Fix to reimagine apparel to fit athletes. Warner, Kyle Pitts, and Marquise Goodwin have embarked on the project.
"This style is something every guy deserves to have in their wardrobe," Warner said. "With the season starting, I'm traveling so much more. These pieces keep me looking polished but are comfortable enough to wear on the plane when traveling for away games."
Warner sat down with CBS Sports to discuss the 49ers season and the Stitch Fix partnership.
Coming off the incredible year that you had under Robert Saleh, how has new defensive coordinator DeMeco Ryans helped your game? Is there any advice Ryans has given you to reach the next level of great linebackers?
Warner: "It has been great having Coach Ryans. He was a successful linebacker in the league for a long time and has taken me under his wing since I got to San Francisco. He pushes me to be great every single day and I am grateful that he has been with me every step of the way."
The NFC West is loaded with talented QBs. Who's the toughest one to game plan for and why?
Warner: "You are definitely right about our division being loaded with talented quarterbacks, but I think I have to go with Kyler Murray. He is probably the fastest quarterback I have ever competed against. The threat of him running on every play keeps us honest as a defense. Russ (Russell Wilson) and (Matthew Stafford are also studs that are more athletic than people give them credit for, but Kyler's speed and agility are rare to see in a quarterback.
Speaking of talented QBs, the 49ers have two in Jimmy Garoppolo and Trey Lance. How has Lance looked going up against him in practice and how has his progress translated to the small sample size of games thus far?
Warner: "Both Trey and Jimmy are such competitors and I love going against them every day in practice. Trey is undoubtedly a special talent who continues to improve each week as he becomes more familiar with the offense.
"It is tough being thrown into your first game at halftime against a division rival and then go up against the team with the best record in the league the week after. I think he's done a great job, though, and like I said, will continue to get better each week."
How does playing with a talent like Nick Bosa help your game?
Warner: "I'd put Nick up against anybody in the league. He is such a dominant player and is a nightmare for offensive linemen to plan against. He is so versatile and requires so much attention and game planning from the other team that it helps free up everyone else on the defense. We are lucky to have him here."
What have you seen in Deebo Samuel that has elevated his game towards becoming one of the elite receivers in football?
Warner: "Deebo has really stepped up for us this year and has been such a reliable option for both Jimmy and Trey. He is such a hard worker and is one of the most dominant receivers I have seen when he is healthy. Don't be surprised if he is the leading receiver at the end of the year."
Can you explain your involvement with Stitch Fix and what you're working on with them?
Warner: "I'm partnering with Stitch Fix to showcase their unique ability to create well-fitting clothing for men in a range of body types. As a professional football player, having a muscular build can make it difficult to find clothing that fits my build and my lifestyle. Stitch Fix's focus on using data to expand its size range means that they provide a much wider, more robust assortment sizes.
"The sports jacket I wear is from Stitch Fix's exclusive brand Artefact, and what I liked best is the versatility it offers in terms of how I can style it. The jacket is
