Warner Credits Rodgers for NFL Success and Rivalry

Linebacker Fred Warner has been in the NFL for six years and is a three-time First-Team All-Pro member as he prepares to enter his seventh season with the 49ers. But Warner says he owes a significant portion of himself becoming an idol to the last person you'd ever expect -- four-time NFL MVP, Aaron Rodgers.

Warner joined Kay Adams on her "Up & Adam" 49ers training camp show this week and recounted a pivotal moment early in his career against Rodgers. The then-Green Bay Packers quarterback was caught on a hot mic telling the future NFL MVP that he's "one of the hardest" to beat. Warner thinks this endorsement helped elevate his profile within the uber-competitive NFL ecosystem.

"[Rodgers] really helped me get in this league, big time, man," Warner told Adams. Said that moment with him, where he said to me 'Hey I think you're one of the best'. I may or I might not have got it as quickly if he hadn't said that and I'm so thankful to him for that.

While Warner has deep respect and gratitude for Rodgers, however, he insisted that competition comes first… even over their friendship. Now that Rodgers is the QB of New York Jets, Warner sees them as a blend between high esteem and rivalry. It just so happens Week 1 I cannot be your buddy-buddy, but Aaron — it's all love though," Warner said, capping his comments with the caveat that their relationship still exists primarily on a professional plane.

And when WBAY's Bailey then asked Warner how he felt about Rodgers due to his new position with the Jets, Warner said that there is always a "soft spot" for him because of just how much respect the young quarterback had earned from someone who was so instrumental in shaping his own career.

While Warner's confession underscores types of sportsmanship and respect that are normally invisible between the NFLs best, it also points to how veteran leadership in the league can have a lasting effect. Warner thrived all season but Rodgers' commendation was a major confidence boost, as adult players can change the careers of young ones in this league.

Meanwhile, with the NFL season approaching, there will be a major focus on Warner vs. Rodgers — especially when 49ers meet Jets next game era. Both fans and analysts are going to be excited about seeing a clash of Warner's defense against the cerebral gameplay from Rodgers on Sundays. It should be a great game filled with skill, strategy and fair play characteristic of the competitive spirit of NFL football.