The 2019 San Francisco 49ers were a special group. Linebacker Fred Warner doesn't envision that changing anytime soon.
When head coach Kyle Shanahan and general manager John Lynch took over the team in 2017, they sought players with a specific mentality and ones who would mesh well together in the locker room. Those efforts were successful.
Even through struggles during the first two years of the current regime, the 49ers knew they were building toward something special, and then they proved that in 2019.
No one really knew what to expect from last season's 49ers. Predictions ranged from three wins to potentially making a playoff push. Needless to say, the team exceeded all expectations, winning the division, earning the best record in the conference, and steamrolling opponents on the way to Super Bowl LIV. The 49ers ultimately fell just short of bringing home an NFL record-tying sixth Vince Lombardi Trophy.
San Francisco feels confident it's primed for another run.
Warner joined Matt Maiocco of NBC Sports Bay Area last week and discussed how the foundation that Shanahan and Lynch built has set the team up for future success.
"This is probably one of the closest teams I've been around," Warner said on the latest 49ers Insider Podcast, "regardless if it's NFL, college; and I think that's what made it so special, honestly. ... It doesn't matter if you're on offense or defense or special teams, this team is made up of a lot of high-character guys who love the game and are willing to work their tail off to achieve one goal.
"I know that's not going to change, regardless if we do lose people, we gain different people. It's always going to stay the same because I think the foundation has been laid here, and that's what's exciting."
One of those foundational pieces is Warner, who has moved past the devastating Super Bowl loss and is preparing to enter his third NFL season.
"I think you're always going to have guys that young guys can look up to," Warner added. "I always pride myself on just trying to work hard, keep my head down, and I'm just going to continue to do that. Obviously, I've got to continue to try to be a leader for this team by any means I can, and help us get back to where we need to be."
You can listen to the entire conversation with Warner below.