Fred Warner has made a career out of finding ways to take the football away, but the San Francisco 49ers linebacker has a specific technique that has helped him become one of the NFL's best at forcing fumbles. The secret, he says, starts with his feet.
Warner is tied for the NFL lead with four forced fumbles through seven games this season, already matching his career high. He has 21 forced fumbles in his career, including 14 over his last 43 games, two more than any other player over that span.
Speaking with The Athletic's Vic Tafur, Warner explained that the biggest mistake players make when attempting the Peanut Punch, which was popularized by Bears defensive back Charles "Peanut" Tillman during his playing time, is stopping their feet to lunge
at the football. Instead, he focuses on stepping through the ball carrier while delivering the punch, allowing him to maintain contact and finish the tackle.
"Whereas if you use your feet to really step on a guy's toes — not literally, hypothetically — and try and step through the guy, that's gonna ensure that you have more contact surface," Warner said.
He also emphasizes keeping his elbow above his wrist when approaching the football, creating an angle that allows him to punch down through the ball rather than straight into the ball carrier's chest.
The technique has taken years to perfect, and Warner has the physical evidence to show for it. His right middle knuckle is noticeably larger than his left after seven years of punching footballs, helmets and shoulder pads in practice. Warner even avoids padded gloves because he wants to feel his hand make contact with the football.
"The bone has now grown over the knuckle from all the impact," Warner said. "I felt like I needed to be able to feel my hand going through the ball," he said. "Not wearing a padded glove is how you get knuckles that look like that."
Warner's grit and tenacity when it comes to forcing fumbles have helped him become known as one of the best, if not the best, linebackers in the NFL.
This article originally appeared on Niners Wire: Fred Warner reveals secret behind one of his superpowers
