49ers Linebacker Fred Warner Reflects on Memorable NFL Debut Ahead of Return to Minnesota
It’s a trip down memory lane for San Francisco 49ers linebacker Fred Warner as he prepares to return to U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, the site of his unforgettable NFL debut. Warner, now an All-Pro defender, made his first appearance in the league just over five years ago, facing off against the Minnesota Vikings in September 2018. And next week, on Monday Night Football, he will step foot on that field once again.
In an interview on “The Warner House” podcast with his wife Sydney, Warner expressed the significance of the upcoming game, stating, “The last time I played in Minnesota, Vikings stadium, I was just a young ol’ pup — 2018, rookie year, my very first game of my NFL career, regular-season game. It was a good little debut for me. I made a couple plays. We didn’t win that game, unfortunately, so that was the only thing we’ve got to make sure we do differently this time around.”
The previous 49ers-Vikings matchup in 2018 showcased quarterbacks Jimmy Garoppolo and Kirk Cousins going head-to-head, with Cousins making his highly anticipated debut for the Vikings. Although the 49ers suffered a 24-16 defeat, Warner left his mark, recording a forced fumble, one pass defended, and an impressive 12 tackles.
What Warner remembers most about that game isn’t just what happened on the field, but the raucous atmosphere created by the Minnesota fans. The noise and intensity of the crowd made quite an impression on the rookie linebacker. Reflecting on those memories, Warner said, “My rookie year, that game, I was so nervous because it’s my first start. They gave me the green dot to be the mic to call the plays, it’s away on the road in a hostile environment. Back then, Minnesota — I don’t know how good they were at the time, but it felt like they were the best team in the league when I walked out there because you hear them horns blowing, and they’re like, ‘Skol! Skol! Skol!’ I’m looking around like, ‘What did I get myself into?’ It was insane. It was so intense. I’ll always remember those horns going off in the pregame… I’m excited to hear the ‘Skol’ chants again.”
As the 49ers face their first loss of the 2023 NFL season, Warner and his teammates are focused on taking things one play at a time. Just as they did in Week 6 against the Cleveland Browns, they will approach their Week 7 game against the Vikings with the same mentality. Warner recognizes the challenge that lies ahead but is determined to walk away with a win this time.
“It’s going to be a huge challenge,” Warner stated with confidence.
Fans can catch Warner and the 49ers in action as they take on the Vikings on Monday Night Football, eagerly anticipating a strong performance from the talented linebacker.