By Mallory Mattingly
In Week 6, San Francisco 49ers linebacker Fred Warner went down with a season-ending injury, but his “complete peace in knowing God’s plan” keeps his spirits up.
According to ESPN, Warner went down in the first quarter against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers due to a broken and dislocated right ankle. Many of Warner’s teammates were in disbelief.
“It’s heartbreaking,” left tackle Trent Williams shared after the game. “Fred, not only is he one of the best linebackers to ever play the game, but he is the heart and soul of this team, not just the heart and soul of this defense. It’s one thing to see somebody go down and go to the blue tent, and nobody really knows what’s going on. When you see a guy that’s injured like that, it’s really like a gut punch. It’s really hard to continue the intensity and playing that game like that never happened.”
“He’s one of our best players, also a huge leader, so obviously, a huge blow,” head coach Kyle Shanahan added. “I feel bad for Fred right now.”
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“Fred’s been the leader of this team for a long time,” said quarterback Mac Jones, who made his fourth start in Brock Purdy’s place.
“Really all you can do is pray for him. I know we have his back,” Jones added. “I was disappointed that I didn’t play better for him today.”
Tampa Bay head coach Todd Bowles shared, “It was sickening. He’s one of the best players in the league. A great guy on top of that…That kind of breaks your heart, no matter what side of the ball you’re on.”
Despite the heartache from those around him, Warner found peace because of his faith in Christ.
“There are certain games you wake up knowing it’s gonna be your day, and yesterday was one of those days,” he said in a post on social media. “I knew I was bout to go off, and then boom, everything was over in one instant that was completely unpreventable. The love everyone has shown me and the prayers being said for me mean the world to me.”
“Some ask why I was able to smile on the cart heading in and it’s because (aside from the shock) I have complete peace in knowing God’s plan is so completely perfect and I’m exactly where I’m supposed to be,” he added. “I’ve had the privilege of being able to have a very healthy 8 seasons and now it’s time to inspire through the comeback I’m bout to have. It will be LEGENDARY and right on time, God willing. Thank you guys, love always GO NINERS.”
The 49ers linebacker underwent surgery to repair his broken ankle. Despite being ruled out for the rest of the season, Warner is hopeful for an inspiring comeback as he continues to trust in God.
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