Even though the 49ers have been eliminated from playoff contention, Warner plans to play in Sunday's season finale against the Arizona Cardinals, demonstrating his unwavering commitment to the team.
"There's always something to play for, and Fred's not a guy who's coming off the field unless we drag him off the field," general manager John Lynch said Friday morning on Bay Area radio station KNBR. "Shortly after his injury earlier in the year, he wasn't even getting treatment, was a full participant in the practices. That's just kind of who Fred Warner is."
Lynch highlighted Warner as a model player for the organization. His relentless work ethic and commitment to excellence on and off the field make him the gold standard on defense.
"In the offseason, when nobody's here, Fred Warner is out there [on the practice field]," Lynch said. "And then the guys start showing up, and if they dare, they enter his workout."
One player who recently joined Warner's offseason regimen is running back Jordan Mason, a decision Lynch credits for Mason's success earlier this season. That kind of contagious work ethic has the power to elevate an entire team.
"And Fred doesn't just let anyone in those workouts," Lynch added. "You've got to earn your way in those workouts. When you prepare like that, you've got God-given talent that Fred's been blessed with, and you're obsessed with getting better and being available for your team and having your guys' back, that's the type of player you can become.
"And that's what he has been, and we're so fortunate to have Fred a part of this organization."
You can listen to Lynch's entire interview below.
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