The San Francisco 49ers officially kicked off their fully padded practices for the 2025 season, and one thing was immediately clear — the defense is not here to play nice.
Veteran linebacker and team captain Fred Warner wasted no time setting the tone for the entire squad. With adrenaline running high and competition fierce, Warner dropped a powerful message that echoed throughout the Bay:
“Pads come on, and that’s when real football starts. We don’t do soft here. You either hit or get hit.”
From the very first snap, the 49ers defense showed they’re ready for war — especially with rising rookie Mykel Williams joining the mix.
Coach Kyle Shanahan and defensive coordinator Nick Sorensen emphasized physicality and execution, and Warner led by example, flying sideline to sideline and demanding accountability from every unit.
The 49ers’ mindset this week? Dominate the trenches. Tighten the secondary. And remind the league why this defense is feared coast to coast.
As the team eyes a return to Super Bowl contention, Fred Warner’s fire just might be the spark that lights the whole damn season.
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