Fred Warner isn't just backing his quarterback-he’s planting a flag. The All-Pro linebacker made it clear on the Up & Adams Show: when it comes to Brock Purdy, he's all in.
And not just in the “he’s our guy” kind of way. Warner went so far as to say Purdy is better than Justin Herbert, a quarterback he’s praised in the past.
“Justin Herbert is a great quarterback, but he's not Brock Purdy,” Warner said. “Brock Purdy is the best and I see it every single day.
I see it every week. It's only a matter of time before he's got, not only a Super Bowl trophy, but an MVP trophy.
That's how good he is.”
That’s not just confidence-that’s conviction. And it carries weight coming from Warner, one of the most respected voices in the 49ers locker room and a guy who sees Purdy up close every day.
The Numbers Back It Up-To a Point
Purdy’s résumé through four seasons is nothing to scoff at. A 30-15 regular season record, three playoff appearances, and a 5-3 postseason mark.
That’s a solid foundation for any young quarterback, let alone one who entered the league as “Mr. Irrelevant.”
While Justin Herbert has put up gaudy numbers and earned his share of accolades, Purdy’s success has come in the form of wins-and in the NFL, that still matters. He’s led the 49ers deep into the postseason, and he’s done it in one of the league’s most physically demanding offensive systems.
But Warner’s take isn’t just about stats. It’s about what he sees behind the scenes-Purdy’s command of the huddle, his poise under pressure, and the trust he’s earned from a veteran-heavy roster.
Health Is the Hurdle
If there’s one asterisk on Warner’s bold prediction, it’s Purdy’s durability. The 49ers were decimated by injuries this season, and Purdy wasn’t spared.
For Warner’s MVP-and-Super Bowl vision to come to life, Purdy has to stay on the field. Period.
The best ability, as the saying goes, is availability. And after a year of physical setbacks, the offseason becomes critical. A full workload, a clean bill of health, and 17 games under center in 2026-that’s the path forward.
Because if Purdy can stay upright and continue to build on what he’s already accomplished, Warner’s prediction might not sound so bold in a year or two. It might just sound accurate.
Purdy vs. Herbert: The Ongoing Debate
Is Brock Purdy actually better than Justin Herbert? That’s a conversation that’ll keep talk shows buzzing and fans debating.
Herbert has the arm talent, the highlight-reel throws, and the physical tools that scouts dream about. But Purdy?
He’s got the wins, the leadership, and the trust of a locker room that’s been through the fire.
At the end of the day, Warner’s statement is less about tearing down Herbert and more about lifting up his guy. And when a leader like Warner speaks with that kind of certainty, it turns heads.
Brock Purdy doesn’t have an MVP or a Super Bowl ring-yet. But if you ask Fred Warner, it’s not a matter of if. It’s a matter of when.