Three months after a tough Super Bowl loss, San Francisco 49ers linebacker Fred Warner is energized and focused, gearing up for the 2024 season with renewed determination.
Warner has been making his media rounds this week, appearing on SiriusXM NFL Radio to discuss his team's mindset as they aim to bounce back from another gut-wrenching defeat. The linebacker expressed newfound enthusiasm for the upcoming season.
"The offseason is critical, especially after the season that we had, where we did come up short," Warner said. "You've got to be really, really thoughtful about your offseason and making sure that you're fully recovered, not only just physically, but mentally and emotionally, from how draining that is.
"And I feel like I'm as rejuvenated and excited about this year as I've ever been. And I think the goal going into this year is obviously to focus on finishing. I think that's as point blank as it needs to be. We had opportunities in both Super Bowls that I've been in to finish, and we just didn't get the job done."
"I think the goal going into this year is honestly just to focus on finishing."@49ers LB Fred Warner on rebounding after the loss in Super Bowl LVIII #FTTB | @SolomonsWisdom https://t.co/LDIP76T7RX pic.twitter.com/N05T3XkWFy
— SiriusXM NFL Radio (@SiriusXMNFL) May 23, 2024
The most recent loss came in an overtime battle against the Kansas City Chiefs, where the 49ers held a late lead. Maintaining that lead against a top quarterback like Patrick Mahomes is always challenging. It's the second time Mahomes has delivered heartbreak to the 49ers and their fans in the NFL title game.
Warner believes the 49ers made an effort to add finishers via free agency and the draft, aiming to strengthen the roster enough to overcome similar hurdles.
"And then obviously, it's up to the rest of the guys who've been here to make sure we're better than we were last year," Warner added. "I know that's been my goal all offseason, is to be a better version of me for my team, and ultimately trying to make that one play that can help us win a game."
