Sergio Estrada-Imagn Images

49ers LB Fred Warner named NFC Defensive Player of the Week for fourth time in career

Originally posted on 49ers Webzone | By David Bonilla | Last updated Sep 17, 2025 12:23 PM ET

San Francisco 49ers star linebacker Fred Warner has been named the NFC Defensive Player of the Week following his standout performance in the team's 26-21 victory over the New Orleans Saints in Week 2.

Warner recorded 11 tackles—tied for the second-most in the NFC for the week—along with a pass defended, a forced fumble, and a fumble recovery. Remarkably, he is the first player since Week 16 of the 2020 season to tally at least 10 tackles, a pass defended, a forced fumble, and a fumble recovery in a single game. That player in 2020? Warner himself.

Through two games this season, Warner has already totaled 19 tackles (two for loss), anchoring a defense that has been key to the 49ers' 2-0 start.

LB @fred_warner has been named NFC Defensive Player of the Week. Congrats to the leader of the #49ers defense. pic.twitter.com/x0lGDona64— 49ers Webzone (@49erswebzone) September 17, 2025

This marks Warner's fourth career NFC Defensive Player of the Week honor. He now joins elite company, becoming the third 49ers defender to earn the award four or more times—alongside Nick Bosa (five-time winner) and Merton Hanks (five-time winner).

Warner's previous awards came after Week 5 of the 2023 season, Week 16 of the 2020 season, and Week 12 of the 2019 season.

The linebacker also joins rare company as the second former BYU player to win Player of the Week honors four or more times, alongside Pro Football Hall of Famer Steve Young, who earned the distinction 12 times during his legendary career.

This article first appeared on 49ers Webzone and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: