Fred Warner and Steve Young have more than just beating the Cowboys in common

Fred Warner and Steve Young share a career path in going on to star for the San Francisco 49ers after a college career at BYU. They have each also enjoyed their fair share of success against the Dallas Cowboys and, after Warner's starring role in the Niners' 42-10 rout of Dallas last Sunday, they now […]

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October 8, 2023; Santa Clara, California, USA; San Francisco 49ers linebacker Fred Warner (54) celebrates after sacking Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott (4, not pictured) during the second quarter at Levi's Stadium.
Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

Fred Warner and Steve Young share a career path in going on to star for the San Francisco 49ers after a college career at BYU.

They have each also enjoyed their fair share of success against the Dallas Cowboys and, after Warner's starring role in the Niners' 42-10 rout of Dallas last Sunday, they now have something else in common.

Warner was named as the NFC Defensive Player of the Week for Week 5, marking the third time he has won the award. He is the fourth 49er to win Defensive Player of the Week three times, joining Nick Bosa, Merton Hanks and Bryant Young. On top of that, Warner is only the second BYU player to win a Player of the Week award three times, following in the footsteps of Young, who was Offensive Player of the Week on 12 occasions. 

The 49ers' All-Pro linebacker received the honor after recording a sack, forced fumble and an interception against the Cowboys. He also racked up eight tackles in a showcase of why he is regarded as the premier linebacker in the game.

Warner became the first 49er with a sack, forced fumble and interception in the same game since NaVorro Bowman, who achieved that feat against the Cardinals in Week 17 of the 2013 season.

Injury prevented Bowman from maintaining his status as an elite linebacker. Warner is the modern day gold standard at the position and, if he continues to perform at such a level, may well replicate Young again by ending up in Canton.