Back in 2018, when then-rookie linebacker Fred Warner was on his way toward becoming a day-one starter and defensive play-caller for the San Francisco 49ers, it was clear the former BYU defender was on a rapid ascent.
It was also becoming clear he didn't mind getting under the skin of opposing offensive players, even if they were on his own team and during practice.
Practice scuffles with Warner were commonplace, and the perennial All-Pro still boasts that reputation of being a trash-talker.
Nothing's changed entering year eight, apparently.
Speaking to the Bay Area's 95.7 The Game, Niners tight end George Kittle joined with Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield, and the two both admitted Warner was one of the biggest trash-talkers in football today.
George Kittle and Baker Mayfield agree that Fred Warner is one of the best trash talkers in the NFL:
— 95.7 The Game (@957thegame) July 1, 2025
Kittle: “I go against Fred Warner every day at practice, and he doesn’t ever stop talking. I think Baker can probably attest to that. He just talks the whole game.”
Baker:… pic.twitter.com/Xgc3TggjCz
"I go against Fred Warner every day at practice, and he doesn’t ever stop talking," Kittle admitted. "I think Baker can probably attest to that. He just talks the whole game."
Mayfield did attest to it, simply by saying, "yep."
The Bucs signal-caller expanded on the question further by pointing out, "Fred Warner is up there for trash-talk."
At least Warner backs up his talk with his play, and 2024 marked his third consecutive first-team All-Pro nod, his fourth such accolade in total.
Interestingly enough, though, Kittle also highlighted how now-Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Jalen Ramsey is a massive trash-talker, although the latter apparently will have pleasant conversations with Kittle in between plays as opposed to talking smack.
That's kinda fun, right?
Back to Warner, it sure would be fun to see the NFL run some sort of top-20 list of best trash-talkers in the game today. While the NFL Top 100 is a great list and creates plenty of engagement, seeing the undercurrent of on-field conversations that don't always get noticed by fans can be just as entertaining, too.
Someday. And Warner would certainly be high on that particular list.