49ers star Fred Warner thanks legend Aaron Rodgers for the praise early in his career and believes Brock Purdy is in for a “fantastic year.”

Fred Warner is one of the best linebackers in the NFL.

Aaron Rodgers jumped on this hype train earlier than most.

The San Francisco 49ers defensive end and the New York Jets superstar quarterback face off in the first MNF of the 2024 season on Monday night at Levi's Stadium. You can watch the game live on talkSPORT.

Although Warner and Rodgers play on opposing teams, there has always been a healthy respect between the two.

Following the Green Bay Packers (Rodgers' former team)'s 34-17 win over the 49ers in Week 9 of the 2020 season, the four-time MVP was heard giving exceptional praise to the then third-year linebacker.

“I'm happy for you, man, I really mean it,” Rodgers said after the game to Warner, who was carrying a microphone.

“Unfortunately, fame means too much. There's no one better. There really isn't. You're the best and everyone knows it. The movies don't lie. You should be All-Pro.”

“All-Pro Fred” lived up to his nickname. Two months after Rodgers’ praise, he was named a First-Team All-Pro, the first of three such honors.

In 2024, he is one of the best in the business, but Rodgers' kind words have always stuck with him.

“Yeah, it meant a lot to him, more than he will ever know,” the three-time Pro Bowler told talkSPORT exclusively.

“When I left BYU, I was asked to play a new position and tried to build confidence in what I was trying to do.

“I felt like I had done a good job in year three, but for a young guy to get that recognition from a Hall of Famer and a legend like him gave me all the confidence in the world to keep pushing forward and becoming the player I am today.”

4

4

“And unfortunately now he has to see the result of that,” joked Warner.

“But at the end of the day, it's all love, man, I'm so grateful for him. And you know, obviously for this moment.”

Monday night's clash between the 49ers and the Jets could well be the last time Warner and Rodgers face each other.

Rodgers, soon to be 41, is recovering from a torn Achilles tendon that ended his debut season with the Jets after just four games.

If things go badly again this year, it could be his last in the league.

The controversial quarterback is undoubtedly the crown jewel of the newly formed Jets team, which has two unpredictable young talents in Garrett Wilson and Breece Hall.

Additionally, Gang Green's defense is one of the strongest in the NFL, and Niners QB Brock Purdy will have to overcome it if Kyle Shanahan's team wants to start the season with a win.

Purdy has had quite a journey since being selected 262nd overall in the 2022 NFL Draft. He has gone from “Mr. Irrelevant” to “Mr. Relevant” after putting together a stellar 2023 season.

4

Purdy was in the MVP conversation for most of the regular season last year and made it to the Super Bowl after passing for over 4,000 yards and finishing as the NFL's leading passer.

Despite his credentials, the 24-year-old is constantly underestimated; some critics call him a “game manager” and “system quarterback.”

Warner, however, doesn't want to hear any of this talk and believes that Purdy will have a “great season” in 2024.

“It’s crazy to think that he [Purdy] “I’m only going into my third year,” he told talkSPORT.

“You would never guess that given his performance in his first and second years and his daily behavior.

“You know he's in complete control of the offense. With experience comes confidence and maturity, and I think you'll continue to see that with Brock.”

“I'm really excited to see him this year. I think he's going to have a fantastic year.”

talkSPORT is your home for NFL on UK radio – join us for the first Monday Night Football show of the season from 1am on talkSPORT2 as the San Francisco 49ers host the New York Jets..
Subscribe here to follow the new talkSPORT End Zone NFL channel.

Stay up to date with the NFL

talkSPORT.com is covering more NFL content this season than ever before, bringing you breaking news, expert insights and exclusive interviews.

To get the best NFL content, download the talkSPORT App and enable notifications. It's easy.