49ers linebacker Fred Warner has continued to prove that he is one of the best players to suit up for the Red and Gold, both on and off the field.

With Super Bowl LX at Levi’s Stadium less than 60 days away, Warner was the latest athlete featured Thursday on the Bay Area Host Committee’s panel. He was asked who his biggest mentor was coming into the NFL and gave a name that will surely bring a smile to the 49ers Faithful.

“I had a ton of mentors, but without a doubt, in the NFL, it all started with DeMeco Ryans,” Warner said.

“I had a ton of mentors, but without a doubt, in the NFL, it all started with DeMeco Ryans.”

Fred Warner says DeMeco Ryans was his biggest mentor in the NFL pic.twitter.com/OeKJGV7L2t

— 95.7 The Game (@957thegame) December 11, 2025

Ryans was San Francisco’s linebackers coach from 2018-20 and defensive coordinator from 2021-22. His first year with the team coincided with Warner’s. Ryans, a former linebacker himself, left after just two seasons as defensive coordinator to become head coach for the Houston Texans in 2023.

The 49ers had the top-ranked defense under Ryans and have struggled to live up to expectations since his departure. Numerous season-ending injuries, including Warner’s, have dwindled fan hopes for the 49ers to host Super Bowl LX at their home stadium in 2026.

Nevertheless, Warner is looking to make a possible return to play this season and didn’t hold back his excitement on whether he thinks the 49ers can end their season with a championship in Santa Clara.

.@BontaHill: “Fred, I’m not gonna ask about your status, but do you think about the Super Bowl?

Fred Warner: “You’re damn right I do! We have a chance to win these next four games and have the super bowl run through Santa Clara” 👀💯 pic.twitter.com/d9m9bRF90J

— 95.7 The Game (@957thegame) December 11, 2025

The Texans saw immediate improvement with Ryans at the helm, as the team made back-to-back playoff appearances in 2023 and 2024. Warner was not surprised by Houston’s instant franchise revitalization and largely credits Ryans with forming him into the All-Pro player he is today.

Since then, Warner has continued to thrive under Ryans’ replacement, current defensive coordinator Robert Saleh; the star linebacker just needs to get healthy if he wants to help the 49ers make a deep playoff run.

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