San Francisco 49ers middle linebacker Fred Warner is one of the best players in the NFL. He has been selected to the Pro Bowl and the All-Pro team twice, and has led his team to the Super Bowl in 2020. But who are Fred Warner’s parents, and how did they influence his journey to the top?
Early Life and Family Background
Fred Warner was born on November 19, 1996, in San Marcos, California, to Laura and Fred Warner Sr. He is the oldest of their three children, a girl and two sons. When Warner was young, his parents divorced, and his mother, Laura Warner, raised Fred and his siblings on her own. She worked as a nurse and a teacher, and instilled in Fred the values of hard work, discipline, and faith.
Fred’s father, Fred Warner Sr., was of Panamanian descent, but was born in the United States. He was a football fan and introduced Fred to the sport when he was four years old. He coached Fred’s youth teams and taught him the fundamentals of the game. He also supported Fred’s academic and athletic pursuits, and remained close to him despite living in a different state.
Fred has a younger brother, Troy Warner, who also plays football as a safety for the BYU Cougars. He also has a sister, Maya Warner, who is a student at Utah Valley University. Fred is very close to his siblings and often posts pictures of them on his social media accounts.
College and NFL Career
Fred Warner attended Mission Hills High School, where he was a standout player on both offense and defense. He played as a wide receiver, a linebacker, and a safety, and earned All-CIF honors as a senior. He also excelled in the classroom, graduating with a 4.0 GPA and being named a scholar-athlete.
Fred received several scholarship offers from colleges, but chose to attend Brigham Young University, where he followed his Mormon faith. He played as a linebacker for the BYU Cougars, and was a four-year starter and a team captain. He recorded 264 tackles, 32.5 tackles for loss, 6.5 sacks, seven interceptions, and four forced fumbles in his college career. He also earned All-Independent honors three times, and was a finalist for the Butkus Award, given to the best linebacker in the nation.
The San Francisco 49ers selected Warner as the 70th overall pick in the third round of the 2018 NFL draft. He immediately became a starter and a leader for the 49ers defense, and has been one of the most consistent and versatile players in the league. He has started all 81 games he has played, and has amassed 634 tackles, 23 quarterback hits, 6.5 sacks, 35 passes defended, and six fumbles recovered. He made it to the Pro Bowl and was selected as the first-team All-Pro in 2020 and 2022, respectively. He also helped the 49ers reach the Super Bowl in 2020, where they lost to the Kansas City Chiefs.
In 2021, the 49ers signed Warner to a five-year, $95 million contract extension, making him the highest-paid inside linebacker in NFL history. Warner is widely regarded as one of the best players in his position, and is praised for his intelligence, athleticism, coverage skills, and leadership.
Personal Life and Relationships
Fred Warner is married to Sydney Hightower, a reality TV star who appeared on the 24th season of “The Bachelor”. The couple dated for a year before getting engaged in May 2021, and tied the knot in June 2022. They announced in January 2024 that they are expecting their first child, a baby girl.
Fred and Sydney are very active on social media, and often share photos and videos of their love story. They also support each other’s careers and interests, and are involved in various charitable causes. Fred is a devout Mormon, and credits his faith for his success and happiness. He also enjoys playing video games, listening to music, and spending time with his family and friends.
Fred Warner is a shining example of how one’s parents can shape one’s life and career. He has inherited his mother’s resilience, his father’s passion, and his own talent and determination. He has overcome many challenges and obstacles, and has achieved his dreams of playing in the NFL. He has also found love and happiness with his wife and his soon-to-be daughter. He is a role model for many young athletes and fans, and a source of pride for his parents.