49ers' Fred Warner overcomes huge adversity to surpass Joe Montana and Steve Young with latest accolade

It was an extremely trying season for Fred Warner, one that did not yield much reward in terms of team success as the San Francisco 49ers slumped to a 6-11 record in defense of their NFC title. Warner played most of the season with a fracture in his ankle that he sustained in the Week […]

Nicholas McGee
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San Francisco 49ers linebacker Fred Warner (54) reacts after making a tackle against the Los Angeles Rams in the fourth quarter at Levi's Stadium.
Cary Edmondson-Imagn Images

It was an extremely trying season for Fred Warner, one that did not yield much reward in terms of team success as the San Francisco 49ers slumped to a 6-11 record in defense of their NFC title.

Warner played most of the season with a fracture in his ankle that he sustained in the Week 4 win over the New England Patriots, a game in which he scored on a pick-six.

At that point, he had two interceptions and three forced fumbles and was building a strong early case for Defensive Player of the Year. After the injury, Warner had just one additional forced fumble the rest of the way.

Still, he was a bright spot in a dreadful year for the 49er defense, and received his recognition on Friday as he was named first-team All-Pro for the fourth time in his career.

The honor sees him surpass Joe Montana and Steve Young for first-team All-Pro nods. Both Montana and Young earned three in their Hall of Fame careers.

He ties NaVorro Bowman for the second-most first-team selections for a 49ers linebacker, and now trails only Patrick Willis (5) in that regard. Willis is one of three Niners to be named first-team All-Pro five times, the others being Jerry Rice (10) and Leo Nomellini (six). 

That bit of history comes after a year in which Zack Baun and Bobby Wagner were the only linebackers to receive higher overall grades from Pro Football Focus. Only four defenders were attributed with more points saved in pass coverage than Warner's 33.89.

Meanwhile, tight end George Kittle and fullback Kyle Juszczyk were named second-team All-Pro.

Kittle had another outstanding season, racking up 1,106 yards and eight touchdowns, but missed out on the first team as the voters instead went with Las Vegas Raiders rookie sensation Brock Bowers.

Juszczyk received the first-team selection last season, the first year of fullbacks being added to the All-Pro teams, but was beaten to that honor this year by Patrick Ricard of the Baltimore Ravens.

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