49ers-Packers: Fred Warner, Aaron Rodgers resume rivalry based on mutual respect

SANTA CLARA — Fred Warner will be on one side of the line of scrimmage, staring directly across at Aaron Rodgers.

It won’t be the first time.

When the 49ers (2-0) host the Green Bay Packers (1-1) on Sunday night at Levi’s Stadium, it will be a rivalry of mutual respect between a middle linebacker and a quarterback separated by 13 years in age but even in terms of respect among their peers.

The Press Democrat’s Inside the 49ers blog

Warner has seen Rodgers up close and personal four times over his first three seasons, so he understands what he’s dealing with — a likely first-ballot Hall of Fame quarterback who can turn any play into a big gainer or even a touchdown. So he’s going to speak of Rodgers with the reverence he deserves.

Rodgers, on the other hand, has no reason to throw bouquets toward a defender on another team. Perhaps it’s because they both belong the same agency and met before Warner had ever played an NFL game. Or maybe it’s because Rodgers recognized what everyone else did very quickly — that Warner had quickly established himself as one of the best players at his position.

When the Packers beat the 49ers 34-17 last Nov. 5, Rodgers had his way statistically with the 49ers, completing 25 of 31 passes for 305 yards, four touchdowns and no interceptions. The 49ers were shorn of their two best pass rushers in Nick Bosa and Dee Ford, and Warner ranged sideline to sideline to make 13 tackles.

Afterward, live microphones caught the Rodgers-Warner conversation on the field.

“I’m happy for you, man,” Rodgers said. “I mean that. Unfortunately, name recognition means too much. You’re the best. No doubt. And everybody knows it. The field don’t lie. You should be All-Pro.”

Turns out Rodgers, 37, wasn’t giving All-Pro voters enough credit. Although the 49ers finished 6-10, Warner, along with Bobby Wagner of Seattle and Darius Leonard of Indianapolis, were elected to the Associated Press All-Pro first team.

When Rodgers, also a first-team All-Pro as well as the NFL’s MVP, talked to the Green Bay media on Wednesday, he referenced the live microphone last season and he wasn’t backing down.

“They caught me mic’d up last year telling him how talented I think he is,” Rodgers said. “He got the recognition he deserves in the postseason voting and contract-wise, it legitimizes him on the field.”

The contract Rodgers referred to was the five-year, $95 million extension, of which $40.5 million is guaranteed.

The 49ers and Packers have met four times since Warner arrived with the 49ers, losing to Green Bay 33-30 in 2018 and winning big twice in 2019, 37-8 in the regular season and 37-20 in the NFC championship game. The Packers won last season’s regular-season meeting.

The two have spoken on occasion, and Warner has a high degree of respect for Rodgers.

“I first met Aaron when I was a rookie coming out for the draft. We’re in the same agency,” Warner said Wednesday. “He came and talked to me and the rest of my rookie class, and that’s kind of where that first introduction was to one another. And he’s just kind of watched from afar I guess as the years have gone on.”

In last season’s regular-season game, Rodgers was 25 of 31 for 304 yards and four touchdowns in the Packers’ 17-point win. The 49ers dominated both the regular-season and championship game matchups, with whatever numbers Rodgers was able to compile coming when the game was out of reach. When Warner was a rookie, Rodgers was 25 of 46 for 425 yards and two touchdowns.

Warner, who isn’t boastful with the media, isn’t shy about good-naturedly calling out Rodgers during a game, calling him by name and saying, “C’mon Aaron, let’s go Aaron!”

His review of Rodgers Wednesday was respectful in tone, noting that the quarterback’s field generalship and ability to manipulate substitutions are nearly as much of a challenge as Rodgers’ ability to fit the ball into tight windows.

“His arm talent is one of the best ever,” Warner said. “His savvy, the ability to fit balls in tight areas and keep the defense off balance. You saw in the Lions game how guys were celebrating, trying to switch in and out of personnel group and he’s on the ball. You’ve got to be on point when you’re going against Aaron.”