What 49ers linebacker Tatum Bethune has learned from ‘brother' Fred Warner
Fred Warner won’t suit up again for the 49ers this season, but the All-Pro linebacker’s impact still can be felt in a major way.
Second-year linebacker Tatum Bethune, who’s taking Warner’s place as the MIKE in San Francisco’s defense, explained how much his injured teammate has meant to him during his time in the NFL.
“Fred has been everything to me,” Bethune told reporters Wednesday. ” A teacher, a brother, just a friend too. The way he carries himseld on and off the field, I just learned a lot from Fred. I’m rooting for him, he’s in good spirits right now. Our goal is to go out there on the field and make him proud, and show him the legacy and the standard he set for the San Francisco 49ers’ defense is going to be upheld.
Bethune was selected No. 252 overall in the 2024 NFL Draft by San Francisco, making 11 appearances as a rookie with the majority of his work coming on special teams.
Despite being a seventh-round selection, Bethune quickly earned the confidence of 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan upon entering the league.
“We’ve liked [Bethune] since the beginning,” Shanahan told reporters after practice Wednesday. “He has shown that ability. I think it’s been good for him to be behind someone like Fred and see how he does it. Tatum, to me, is so made of the right stuff and he has so handled this year and a half the right way, that he’s definitely more than ready for this opportunity.”
Bethune has the same confidence in himself, which will prove to be vital as he steps into Warner’s role for the remainder of the 2025 NFL season.
“Just being poised and confident in everything you do,” Bethune said. “That’s what you want from a MIKE linebacker and that’s what I’m going to do.”
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What 49ers linebacker Tatum Bethune has learned from ‘brother' Fred Warner
