San Francisco 49ers linebacker Fred Warner appeared on The Pat McAfee Show during the 2026 Super Bowl festivities in San Francisco, bringing a gift that left the entire crew surprised for reasons beyond football. Warner presented McAfee and the show’s team with an unexpected and humorous offering—a custom-made bust of both himself and McAfee sculpted entirely from cheddar cheese.
The unique gift caused an animated reaction from McAfee, who exclaimed,
“Holy shit! Who is the artist?”
while admiring the dairy sculpture. The lively moment was captured and shared by McAfee himself, highlighting the playful side of Warner amid a challenging season.
Holy shit! Who is the artist?
HOLY SHIT
THANK YOU @fred_warner 😂😂 #PMSLive pic.twitter.com/zRk9iPzm0v
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) February 4, 2026
Warner’s Challenging 2025 Season and Impact of Injury
The cheesy gift moment brought some levity following a difficult 2025 campaign for Warner. The respected 49ers captain suffered a significant injury during Week 6 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers after a teammate accidentally undercut his leg early in the game. Warner managed only one assisted tackle before being sidelined with a fractured and dislocated right ankle.
This injury severely affected the team’s defense, which struggled in Warner’s absence, conceding 30 points in a 30-19 loss to the Buccaneers. Alongside the season-ending injury of pass rusher Nick Bosa, Warner’s exit left San Francisco without two of their key defensive leaders, weakening the squad’s ability to contain opponents.
Strong Performance Prior to Injury and Recovery Progress
Before the setback, Warner had maintained his elite performance level, compiling 51 total tackles—28 of which were solo—along with three pass deflections and two forced fumbles in just six games. His leadership and playmaking were vital to the 49ers’ defensive strength early in the season.
Despite the severity of the ankle injury, Warner’s recovery has been remarkable. He recently shared that he was prepared to return for the NFC Championship Game if San Francisco had advanced past the Seattle Seahawks in the Divisional Round. Warner now reports feeling fully recovered, estimating his health at 120 percent as he looks ahead to the 2026 season.
What Lies Ahead for Warner and the 49ers
Although the 49ers missed the chance to compete in the Super Bowl this past season, Warner’s resilience and positive attitude signal hope for the team’s future. As one of the NFL’s most dominant linebackers and a captivating personality, Fred Warner’s presence will be a cornerstone for San Francisco moving forward, both on and off the field.
HOLY SHIT
THANK YOU @fred_warner 😂😂 #PMSLive pic.twitter.com/zRk9iPzm0v
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) February 4, 2026
