Warner Back to 'Self' After Ankle Injury Recovery

Fred Warner, the San Francisco 49ers' dynamic linebacker, has made a remarkable comeback this season, feeling completely recovered from a severe ankle fracture and dislocation. This injury, which occurred ten months ago, had him sidelined for a significant portion of the previous season. Warner shared that his body now feels fresh, with only regular football soreness remaining, a stark contrast to the constant throbbing he endured.

He attributes a significant part of his rapid recovery and improved conditioning to an unconventional rehabilitation method: swimming. Warner utilized San Jose State's pool extensively when he was unable to walk, enabling him to maintain cardiovascular fitness. This rigorous training was instrumental in his ability to return to play sooner than expected, even during the playoffs.

Now back to his All-Pro form, Warner is focused on leading the team by example. He believes that hunger for the game and daily self-improvement are what make him and his teammates great, a mindset he aims to instill in the entire group. He is also nearing a franchise record for tackles, currently sitting just three shy of Patrick Willis's mark.