San Francisco 49ers linebacker Fred Warner joined NFL Network shortly after learning that he had earned his second career Pro Bowl selection. Here is what Warner discussed during the special NFL Total Access episode highlighting his season's Pro Bowl selections, including the six 49ers players on the NFC roster.
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Warner on if second Pro Bowl selection validates his hard work
Warner: "It means everything, seriously. First, I want to say thank you to everybody who voted and brought me to this position. I automatically think to all my teammates and what we've been able to do this season and those guys that didn't make it. Their time is coming, but just really excited to keep the season going. Obviously, this recognition means everything, but excited for what's to come for our defense and our team."
Warner on what makes the 49ers defense so dominant
Warner: "It starts at the top. DeMeco Ryans, our defensive coordinator, just such a leader of men, playing the position at such a high level, the linebacker position. That carries right over to his standard and his style that he's brought to this defense. We all got together at the beginning of the season, training camp, and he asked us, to the leaders, 'What do you want this defense to look like?' And we all stood up, and we said, 'We want this to be the best.' We want to be the best, and we work our tail off day in and day out. If you watch us on that practice field, we take every rep of walk-thru, of meetings, or practice just like it's a game. So when we go out there, we're flying, we're hunting, and it's a band of brothers out there. We're all playing for one another, and that's why when you turn our tape on, it looks different."
Warner on what makes Nick Bosa, selected to his third Pro Bowl, so great
Warner: "Probably one of the best players in the league, best defensive player in the league. If you watch his preparation during the week, day in and day out, the way that he takes care of his body, the way that he goes about his business, it's no question why he's the best. Obviously, he's a freak talent. But then you take a freak talent, and you take the work ethic, and you add that together, that's how you become Nick Bosa. Just the ultimate pro, and always hungry to get better, and keep grinding, and you see it every single day, so we're not surprised at all over here in this building. I'm just happy for him getting his recognition. And I think that Defensive Player of the Year is coming soon."
