“Ain’t nobody better.” Those were the words Aaron Rodgers threw Fred Warner’s way after the Packers’ 34-17 victory over the 49ers in November 2020. Sure, Rodgers had just lit up the scoreboard with 305 yards and 4 TDs, but even in the heat of the win, he couldn’t ignore Warner’s potential. You must be wondering why a quarterback, fresh off a dominating win, was busy praising an opponent. Warner, mic’d up and locked in, soaked in every bit of that praise. Well, Rodgers saw something special in him, something that has now become undeniable.

Almost four years later, the Niners linebacker looks back at that moment as a turning point, a nod from a future Hall of Famer that propelled him into elite status. During his appearance on Up & Adams on August 17th, when Kay Adams asked him if he remembered the exchange, Warner couldn’t help but smile. “Boy, do I,” he said. “He [Rodgers] helped me ascend in this league big time, man… Without him saying that I don’t know if I would have got that recognition right away.” That’s not just locker room talk; it’s a testament to the weight Rodgers’ words carried. The guy doesn’t just see talent, he calls it out—and Warner has lived up to every syllable.

Aaron Rodgers’ comments back then? More than just post-game pleasantries. He told Warner he should be All-Pro, adding, “You’re the best.” AR-12 further said that, unfortunately, name recognition means too much, but that does not stop Warner from believing. Now, almost four years later, it’s not just Rodgers who believes that. Even Kay Adams doubled down, telling Warner, “If I had a list of players who don’t get their flowers, I would put you on it.” Turns out, Rodgers was more than right. Since then, Warner’s become a three-time Pro Bowl and First-Team All-Pro selection. Those flowers? They’re blooming just fine now.

Pro Football Focus doesn’t lie either. Warner’s PFF stats since 2020 are nothing short of jaw-dropping: first in overall linebacker grade with a 91.7, first in coverage with a 92.5, and second in run defense at 91.0. Surprised? Don’t be. Rodgers called it—Warner’s the best, and now everybody knows it.

But, now, as the 2024 season draws closer, Fred Warner admits that he might not be this happy-go-round when he’d face Aaron Rodgers.

Fred Warner is “pumped” to face Aaron Rodgers!

“Unfortunately, I can’t buddy-buddy with him when Week 1 comes. But, ‘Hey Aaron, it’s all love though. I appreciate you, brother.'” Fred Warner said it on the Up and Adams Show with all smiles. No wonder he is excited to face Aaron Rodgers on Monday Night Football. Well, you can understand Warner’s need to show A-Rod how much he has matured since that 2020 “mic’d up” moment.

“I was pumped up,” Warner shared on the Candlestick Chronicles podcast over the news that the 2024 Week 1 match-up will be making Rodgers’ second career start for the Jets after an Achilles injury sidelined him in 2023. But it means even more to him as it’s a chance to repay the respect. “I am always grateful and indebted to him for the love he showed me,” Warner said.

As he prepares for this matchup, the stakes are high. The last time they faced off was in the NFC Divisional Playoff in Lambeau Field in 2022. The Niners out-maneuvered the Packers then. Now, it’ll be the 49ers against the Gang Green at Levi’s Stadium. So, will Fred Warner be able to show Aaron Rodgers his mettle again? Let us know who you’re backing to come out on top!