Kendrick Bourne

Kendrick L. Bourne, a prodigious American football wide receiver primarily known for his role with the New England Patriots, was born on August 4, 1995. He found his love for football during his time at Eastern Washington University, where he played college football from 2013 to 2016, garnering the attention of the San Francisco 49ers in 2017.

Proving his football prowess over the years, the 49ers welcomed Bourne into their professional ranks on April 30, 2017, with a three-year contract worth $1.67 million as an undrafted free agent. This deal included $25,000 guaranteed and an additional $5,000 signing bonus. Bourne faced a vigorous competition for a roster spot against several other talented wide receivers throughout the training camp. Despite the competition, head coach Kyle Shanahan recognized Bourne’s potential and ranked him as the fifth wide receiver on the depth chart for the regular season.

Bourne debuted during the 49ers’ season-opening loss against the Carolina Panthers. He remained inactive in the following five games but made a significant impression on November 5, 2017, with two successful passes during a game against the Arizona Cardinals. Both the catches were master strokes with a 25-yard pass by C. J. Beathard and a 39-yard run. With an increasing performance graph, Bourne finished his rookie campaign with a total of 16 receptions, covering 257 yards.

He began the 2018 season as the fifth wide receiver as per head coach Shanahan’s direction and caught his first career touchdown during a game against Detroit Lions. Bourne’s impressive performance continued, and he made his first career start following an injury to Pierre Garçon and finished the season with 42 receptions for 487 yards and four touchdowns. He led the San Francisco 49ers in receiving yards and receptions that year.

In the 2019 season, Bourne delivered with 30 receptions, covering 358 yards, and scored five touchdowns. Sharing the glory with George Kittle, both the players had the most touchdown receptions for the team. Bourne also contributed to the 49ers’ victory against the Minnesota Vikings in the divisional round. Although the 49ers reached Super Bowl LIV, they lost to the Kansas City Chiefs, and Bourne made 2 receptions for 42 yards during the game.

In 2020, Bourne re-signed a one-year contract with the 49ers, worth $3.259 million but was soon placed on and off the reserve/COVID-19 list repeatedly. Despite the struggles, Bourne had a successful season with 49 receptions, covering 667 yards, and scoring two receiving touchdowns over 15 games.

Bourne’s career took a significant turn on March 19, 2021, when he signed a three-year contract, worth $15 million with the New England Patriots. His first season with the Patriots was remarkable, with a career-high of 55 catches, covering 800 yards, and scoring 5 touchdowns. However, he faced criticism for openly critiquing team decisions and play-calling after a loss to the Buffalo Bills.

Entering the 2023 season, Bourne continued his extraordinary record with six completed passes for 64 yards, and two touchdowns. However, he suffered a torn ACL during a loss against the Miami Dolphins and was placed on injured reserve. Nonetheless, this setback didn’t deter the Patriots’ faith in Bourne. On March 21, 2024, he was given a three-year contract extension, a testament to his incredible talent and vital role in the team.

In conclusion, Kendrick L. Bourne, with his palpable talent and determination, stands out as a remarkable American professional football player, carving out an illustrious career with the San Francisco 49ers and New England Patriots in the National Football League.