Why One of the NFL's Best Linebackers Took Up Swimming

Off-ball linebackers are not as coveted as they once were in the NFL. That is, unless your name is Fred Warner. When you're the best in the league at your position, you are valuable, no matter what that position is.

The 49ers' season changed when Warner went down with a broken ankle. They remained competitive and made the playoffs, but weren't the same after losing their defensive leader.

There was a small chance that Warner would return for the divisional playoff game against the eventual Super Bowl champion Seahawks, but it never materialized. With that said, don't let that lead you to believe his recovery went completely smoothly.

Warner dealt with pain and swelling during his rehab, and it was swimming that made a tremendous difference in his recovery. Swimming is one of the best exercises for rehab from almost any injury due to its non-impact nature.

No impact exercises like swimming mean there is no point of contact with the ground or another object. This allows for free motion without the stress on your joints. It's an exercise that could benefit almost anyone, but unfortunately most people don't have access to a pool.

Warner was a decent swimmer when he started training at San Jose State. He developed his swimming skills so dramatically that the swim coach said he would be able to hang with college-level competition.

Stories like this show the talent level of professional athletes. Warner took up swimming on a whim to help recover from an injury, and got so good at it that he could do it at a college level. Any athletic endeavor he set his mind to, he could probably achieve at a high level.

Fred Warner is the rare player who excels at everything he tries, whether it's patrolling the middle of the field or dominating in the pool. His recovery story is a testament not just to his athleticism, but to his work ethic and competitive drive. In 2026, the 4-time all-pro will look to re-establish himself among the NFL's elite.

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This story was originally published May 30, 2026 at 10:21 PM.