Kendrick Bourne Bio
Kendrick Bourne (born August 4, 1995) is an American professional football wide receiver in the National Football League (NFL). After beginning his career as an undrafted free agent with the San Francisco 49ers in 2017, he has played for the New England Patriots and returned to the 49ers for a second stint. Standing 6 ft 1 in (1.85 m) and listed around 203 lb (92 kg), Bourne has been a reliable depth and starting receiver across multiple schemes, known for his run-after-catch ability and red-zone production.
Born in Portland, Oregon, Bourne developed into an All-American at Eastern Washington before quietly carving out a long NFL career. Through the 2025 season, he has recorded 329 career receptions for 4,265 receiving yards and 22 receiving touchdowns, in addition to occasional contributions on jet sweeps and gadget plays. His journey from an undrafted rookie competing for a final roster spot to a multi-year veteran illustrates steady professional growth.
Early Life and Background
Kendrick Bourne was born on August 4, 1995, in Portland, Oregon, to an African-American father and a Samoan mother. Growing up in the Portland metropolitan area, he was raised in a household with strong athletic influences, which helped spark his early interest in football. The Pacific Northwest football scene gave him a foundation built on physicality and versatility at the wide receiver position.
He attended Milwaukie Academy of the Arts in nearby Milwaukie, Oregon, where he played high school football. The school’s arts-focused environment paired with its athletic programs allowed Bourne to develop his route-running and footwork, traits that later translated to the college level. By the end of his prep career, he had attracted attention from several college programs in the region.
Bourne’s size, hands, and willingness to work over the middle made him a target for college recruiters looking for a developmental pass catcher. His commitment to Eastern Washington allowed him to remain close to home while stepping into a competitive Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) program known for producing professional talent.
Path to American Football
After high school, Kendrick Bourne joined the Eastern Washington Eagles, where he played college football from 2013 to 2016. The program, a perennial Big Sky Conference contender, offered him a chance to refine his craft against strong competition while playing in a pass-friendly offense. Over four seasons, he grew from a young project receiver into one of the conference’s most productive pass catchers.
Bourne earned Second-team All-Big Sky honors in both 2015 and 2016, recognizing his consistency and big-play ability. In 2016, his senior season, he was also named a Third-team All-American, a distinction that reflected his national profile at the FCS level. His college production drew the attention of NFL scouts, although questions about his speed and competition level left him off draft boards.
Following the 2016 season, Bourne declared for the 2017 NFL Draft. When he went unselected, he signed with the San Francisco 49ers as an undrafted free agent on April 30, 2017, beginning his professional journey under head coach Kyle Shanahan. The opportunity in San Francisco gave him a clear path to compete for a roster spot in a system that values precise route running.
Kendrick Bourne Career
Early Career (2017–2018)
As a rookie in 2017, Bourne spent much of the early season as a healthy scratch before catching his first NFL pass in Week 9 against the Arizona Cardinals, a 25-yard reception from quarterback C. J. Beathard. He finished his rookie year with 16 receptions for 257 yards in 11 games without a start, and Shanahan publicly praised his developmental progress.
In 2018, Bourne broke out as a starter. He recorded his first NFL touchdown in Week 2 against the Detroit Lions on a pass from Jimmy Garoppolo and went on to lead San Francisco’s wide receivers in both receptions and yards. He finished the season with 42 catches for 487 yards and four touchdowns across 16 games and eight starts, cementing himself as a core piece of the 49ers’ passing attack.
San Francisco 49ers Super Bowl Run (2019–2020)
Bourne’s third NFL season came amid the 49ers’ run to Super Bowl LIV. In 2019, he posted 30 receptions for 358 yards and five touchdowns, tying George Kittle for the team lead in receiving scores. San Francisco finished 13–3 and earned the NFC’s top seed, advancing to the Super Bowl, where Bourne caught two passes for 42 yards in a 31–20 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs.
He returned to the 49ers in 2020 on a one-year deal and continued producing as a rotational starter. Despite a midseason stint on the reserve/COVID-19 list, Bourne finished the year with 49 receptions for 667 yards and two touchdowns in 15 games and five starts. By the end of his first 49ers stint, he had earned a reputation as a reliable third-down and red-zone target.
New England Patriots (2021–2024)
On March 19, 2021, Bourne signed a three-year, $15 million contract with the New England Patriots. The move gave him a larger offensive role, and he delivered a career-best season with 55 receptions for 800 yards and five touchdowns, adding 125 rushing yards on 12 carries. He also threw his first career touchdown pass, a 25-yard strike to Nelson Agholor against the New York Jets.
Bourne’s production dipped in 2022, when he finished with 35 receptions for 434 yards and a touchdown amid public frustration with the team’s play-calling. The 2023 campaign ended abruptly when he suffered a torn ACL in Week 8 against the Miami Dolphins, limiting him to 37 receptions for 406 yards and four touchdowns. After re-signing a three-year, $33 million extension in March 2024, he returned from injury to play 12 games, recording 28 receptions for 305 yards and a touchdown. He was released on August 27, 2025, at his request.
San Francisco 49ers Second Stint (2025–Present)
On September 9, 2025, Bourne signed a one-year contract worth up to $5 million to return to the San Francisco 49ers. He debuted in Week 2 against the New Orleans Saints with three receptions for 32 yards and quickly reasserted himself as a top receiving option. A standout performance came on Thursday Night Football against the Los Angeles Rams, where he led the team with 10 receptions for 142 yards in a 26–23 overtime road victory.
He closed the 2025 regular season with 37 receptions for 551 yards in 16 games and eight starts, helping the 49ers to a 12–5 record and a playoff berth. San Francisco was eliminated in the Divisional Round by the Seattle Seahawks. The reunion reaffirmed Bourne’s fit in Kyle Shanahan’s offense and his value as a versatile, veteran pass catcher.
Driving Style and Strengths
Kendrick Bourne is a physical, hands-first receiver who thrives in intermediate zones and red-zone situations. His 6 ft 1 in frame and strong lower body make him effective after the catch, while his detailed route work fits cleanly into zone-beating concepts. He has also shown comfort executing jet sweeps, end-arounds, and occasional trick plays, expanding his value beyond traditional receiver duties.
Notable Events and Milestones
Bourne’s career highlights include a Super Bowl LIV appearance with the 49ers, a career-high 800-yard season in 2021 with the Patriots, and a 142-yard performance against the Rams in 2025. He has also made a small mark outside football, recording the second verse on the song “Red and Gold Timin'” with rapper Miles Minnick in January 2025.
Kendrick Bourne Career Wins
Across his NFL career, Kendrick Bourne has been a consistent contributor rather than a win-leader, producing in starter and rotational roles for two franchises. His postseason résumé includes deep playoff runs with both the 49ers and the Patriots, highlighted by appearances in Super Bowl LIV and an AFC Wild Card matchup.
Regular Season Highlights
Bourne’s most productive regular season came in 2021 with New England, when he set personal bests with 55 receptions, 800 receiving yards, and five receiving touchdowns. He posted five 100-yard receiving games during his career, including a 142-yard effort with the 49ers in 2025. His 22 career receiving touchdowns reflect a steady red-zone presence, with his 2019 season tying for the team lead in touchdown catches.
Postseason and Other Performances
In the postseason, Bourne appeared in Super Bowl LIV with the 49ers, catching two passes for 42 yards against the Kansas City Chiefs. He also played in a 2021 AFC Wild Card loss to the Buffalo Bills, recording seven receptions for 77 yards and two touchdowns. In 2025, he appeared in a Divisional Round matchup with the 49ers but did not record statistics in the game.
Kendrick Bourne Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Kendrick Bourne was raised in Portland, Oregon, in a family of mixed African-American and Samoan heritage. These cultural roots have influenced his identity and connection to the broader Polynesian football community, which has produced a strong pipeline of NFL players from the Pacific Islands and the Pacific Northwest.
Personal Life
Outside of football, Bourne has pursued creative interests, including a music collaboration with rapper Miles Minnick in early 2025. He maintains an active presence on social media and is recognized by fans for his community work in the Portland and Bay Area regions. Further personal details remain largely private.
2025 Season Performance
Kendrick Bourne’s 2025 campaign marked a successful return to the San Francisco 49ers after four seasons in New England. He appeared in 16 games with eight starts, finishing with 37 receptions for 551 receiving yards. A season-defining performance came on Thursday Night Football against the Los Angeles Rams, where he recorded 10 receptions for 142 yards in an overtime road victory.
Bourne’s production helped the 49ers to a 12–5 record and the NFC West’s third seed, earning them a Wild Card weekend appearance. Although he did not record statistics in the Divisional Round loss to the Seattle Seahawks, his regular-season play was a major factor in San Francisco’s offensive balance. The reunion with quarterback Brock Purdy and the Shanahan scheme clearly elevated his efficiency.
Heading into 2026, Bourne’s status was reset when he signed a two-year, $10 million contract worth up to $12 million with the Arizona Cardinals on March 9, 2026. The move paired him with a young Cardinals offense looking for veteran leadership at receiver. He is expected to compete for a starting role and provide red-zone reliability as Arizona continues its rebuilding phase.
