Fred Warner, a current 49ers linebacker, appears to be on a similar Hall-of-Fame trajectory. Widely regarded as the best off-ball linebacker in the game, Warner has been the heart of the 49ers defense and a key factor in the team's success.
The 49ers held their first training camp practice today, and after the Wednesday morning session, Warner was asked about Willis' impact on the game.
"One of the best to ever do it," Warner told reporters. "When you talk about linebacker play, you're always going to talk about the way the game's supposed to be played at that position, and he did it through and through with the tenacity, the speed, the violence.
"You talk about what the league has kind of evolved into, and linebackers who can do it all ... that type of linebacker, playing with that speed, that violence, the physicality that you want to see, he did it at such a high level here, and that's what I'm always chasing."
Warner has earned several accolades during his NFL career, including three Pro Bowl selections and three first-team All-Pro honors. The 49ers' star defender is thrilled to see Willis finally earn the recognition he deserves.
"I'm so happy for him getting that gold jacket," Warner added. "Super well-deserved."
More San Francisco 49ers News
-
49ers star Fred Warner names young defensive breakout candidates
San Francisco 49ers star linebacker Fred Warner is preparing to enter his ninth NFL season. Yet it doesn't seem that long ago that he was a newcomer quickly making a name for himself on an evolving 49ers defense. Warner spoke with NBC Sports Bay Area's Jennifer Lee Chan at his... -
49ers Hall of Fame adds dynasty legend Keena Turner as 34th inductee
The San Francisco 49ers and the York family announced that linebacker Keena Turner will become the 34th inductee into the Edward J. DeBartolo Sr. San Francisco 49ers Hall of Fame. Turner's induction ceremony will take place in San Francisco's Week 6 matchup against the... -
49ers All-Pro George Kittle: Mike Evans was 'cooking everybody' during OTAs
Mike Evans is expected to elevate the San Francisco 49ers offense in 2026, giving quarterback Brock Purdy a big-bodied red-zone weapon—arguably the best of his NFL career. While Evans has not typically participated in organized team activities (OTAs), which are voluntary... -
49ers and Maxx Crosby: Albert Breer weighs in on potential blockbuster trade
Many believe the San Francisco 49ers could benefit from adding another proven veteran pass rusher to their defensive front. While the defense will welcome back Nick Bosa and expects 2025 first-round pick Mykel Williams to return to the lineup at some point, the team could still...