Fred Warner Calls Out Doubters After 49ers Beat Broncos to Stay Undefeated in NFL Standings

The San Francisco 49ers appear to be a team on a mission this year after remaining undefeated with Sunday's 24-14 win over the Denver Broncos.

49ers star linebacker Fred Warner told Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated after the victory that the team is playing with a chip on its shoulder after being doubted heading into the 2026 campaign.

"I think that people didn't—I don't know—I guess they didn't really take us very seriously before the season started because we did have a lot of guys who were quote-unquote older, and guys who were coming off of injuries," Warner said. "So I think the thing that separated us all along was, yeah, we have a lot of talent, but we have guys that regardless of whatever we've achieved in this league, we're all hungry to continue to get better. And continue to prove it every single week."

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The 49ers overcame a slew of injuries last season to finish 12-5 and earn a spot in the playoffs, though they lost to the eventual Super Bowl champion Seattle Seahawks 41-6 in the Divisional Round.

Warner admitted that the past disappointments have fueled San Francisco amid its scorching start.

"You definitely are aware of that, and I've been super grateful and blessed to be a part of this organization and have opportunities to win the whole thing," Warner said. "Obviously, we dealt with some heavy losses, being in [the Super Bowl] twice and not being able to hoist that trophy. So you do realize that you don't have forever with the same group of guys, and you want to make the most of the opportunity."

The 49ers will look to improve to 5-0 when they face the Seahawks (3-1) in a revenge game in Week 5.