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Fred Warner Becomes 49ers' All-Time Leading Tackler

His 11-tackle, one-forced-fumble return in the season opener signals a full recovery and reestablishes him as the centerpiece of San Francisco’s defense.

Overview

  • In the season opener in Melbourne on Friday, Warner recorded 11 tackles and forced a fumble that gave him sole possession of the 49ers’ career tackle lead, passing Hall of Famer Patrick Willis.
  • Warner returned from a fractured and dislocated right ankle that ended his 2025 season after six games, and his Week 1 showing is being treated as on-field validation of his recovery.
  • The forced fumble in the win was Warner’s 18th career forced fumble, which moved him past Charles Haley on the franchise’s all-time forced-fumble list.
  • Coach Kyle Shanahan awarded Warner the game ball and publicly praised his impact as the 49ers’ defense limited the Rams to seven points in a 27-7 victory, underscoring Warner’s leadership role going forward.
  • Warner was drafted by San Francisco in 2018, has multiple All-Pro honors and consistently high tackle totals, and his milestone reshapes the team record books while raising expectations for the 49ers’ defense this season.