Injured linebacker Fred Warner wanted nothing more than for his San Francisco 49ers to upend the Seattle Seahawks in the divisional round of the playoffs after coming oh-so close to being cleared to play after last October's devastating ankle injury that was thought to be of the season-ending variety.
Warner's desire to rehabilitate quickly was a motivating factor, true. And, had the Niners won, the perennial All-Pro likely would have suited up again in the NFC Championship game.
Except San Francisco didn't win. It lost ugly, falling 41-6 in a contest that wasn't close from the opening kickoff (literally).
It would have been easy and understandable if Warner, who was nearly cleared to play but ultimately ruled out for the game, had stayed put wherever he was at kickoff and merely lamented the loss like so many of his fellow players and coaches did postgame.
But, no.
At some point during the game, the Fox Sports broadcast showed Warner on the sideline among his teammates, shouting encouragement and instructions despite the fact he was originally supposed to be up in the press box.
Warner's leadership didn't end there either.
Fred Warner's in-game and postgame actions speak measures to his leadership
Surely, Warner was itching to play. But, if all he could do was aid his teammates from the sideline, he'd do that, too.
"I was back and forth on it pregame—if I wanted to watch from the top or be on the field," Warner told reporters once the game was over. "I think they wanted me to be in the box to try to stay off my feet to ultimately, if we won, to give myself an opportunity to work into next week.
"But as soon as that first quarter happened, I said there was no way I was going to not be on the field to help."
The final score would indicate Warner's advice and encouragement was nowhere near enough. Yet his leadership extended far beyond his presence on the field.
"I've lived my life saying everything happens for a reason," Warner added. "Even when I got injured, I said that it was for a reason. Had we won, and I was given that opportunity, it would have felt right—and it just wasn't meant to be."
Just like how easy it would have been to stay in the press box, Warner could have easily blame-shifted or felt resentment for his teammates denying him a shot at a return.
His leadership fully prevented him from going there, though.