Kendrick Bourne Bio
Kendrick Bourne is an American professional football wide receiver who currently plays for the Arizona Cardinals of the National Football League (NFL). Born on August 4, 1995, in Portland, Oregon, Bourne developed his football skills in Oregon before becoming a notable college player at Eastern Washington University. He entered the NFL in 2017 as an undrafted free agent with the San Francisco 49ers and has since built a solid professional career spanning multiple teams. Throughout his NFL journey, Bourne has demonstrated his ability to contribute as both a receiver and occasional ball carrier, compiling over 4,200 career receiving yards and 22 touchdowns through the 2025 season.
Early Life and Background
Kendrick Bourne was born on August 4, 1995, in Portland, Oregon, to an African-American father and a Samoan mother. His diverse heritage has been a source of pride throughout his life and career. Bourne grew up in the Portland area and attended Milwaukie Academy of the Arts in Milwaukie, Oregon, where he developed his skills as a football player during his high school years.
During his time at Milwaukie Academy of the Arts, Bourne established himself as a promising prospect at the wide receiver position. His combination of size, athleticism, and dedication caught the attention of college scouts, setting the foundation for his future football career at the collegiate level.
Path to Professional Football
After graduating from high school, Bourne continued his football journey at Eastern Washington University, where he played for the Eastern Washington Eagles from 2013 to 2016. At Eastern Washington, Bourne developed into a playmaker and earned recognition for his performance on the field.
His college career was highlighted by multiple honors, including being named Third-team All-American in 2016 and twice earning Second-team All-Big Sky selections in both 2015 and 2016. These accolades demonstrated his growth as a player and his ability to compete at a high level against quality opponents in the Football Championship Subdivision (FCS).
Following his senior season at Eastern Washington in 2016, Bourne entered the 2017 NFL Draft. Despite his college success, he went undrafted. However, his talent and potential were evident enough that he earned an opportunity to continue his football career through free agency.
Kendrick Bourne Career
San Francisco 49ers First Stint (2017-2020)
On April 30, 2017, the San Francisco 49ers signed Kendrick Bourne to a three-year contract worth $1.67 million as an undrafted free agent. Throughout training camp, Bourne competed for a roster spot against several other receivers. Head coach Kyle Shanahan named Bourne the fifth wide receiver on the depth chart to begin the regular season.
Bourne made his professional debut during the season-opening 23-3 loss to the Carolina Panthers but recorded no statistics in that game. He was inactive as a healthy scratch for the next five weeks before seeing more playing time. During Week 9 against the Arizona Cardinals, Bourne caught his first NFL reception on a 25-yard pass from C.J. Beathard, finishing with two receptions for 39 yards in the 20-10 loss. He finished his rookie season with 16 receptions for 257 yards in 11 games.
Breakthrough Seasons with the 49ers (2018-2020)
In the 2018 season, Bourne entered as a backup but saw increased opportunities. During Week 2 against the Detroit Lions, he caught his first NFL touchdown on a four-yard pass from Jimmy Garoppolo in the 30-27 victory. Bourne earned his first career start during Week 8 against the Cardinals due to an injury to Pierre Garçon, finishing with seven receptions for 71 yards. He finished the 2018 season with 42 receptions for 487 yards and four touchdowns in 16 games, leading the team’s wide receivers in receptions and receiving yards.
The 2019 season saw Bourne continue his development as the 49ers finished atop the NFC West with a 13-3 record. He recorded 30 receptions for 358 yards and five touchdowns, tying with George Kittle for the most touchdown receptions on the team. Bourne contributed in the playoffs, catching a touchdown pass in the Divisional Round against the Minnesota Vikings and a reception in the NFC Championship Game against the Green Bay Packers as the 49ers advanced to Super Bowl LIV. In the Super Bowl against the Kansas City Chiefs, he caught two passes for 42 yards in the 31-20 loss.
In 2020, Bourne was re-signed to a one-year contract in April before the season began. He continued to be a reliable contributor, finishing with 49 receptions for 667 yards and two touchdowns in 15 games. He was placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list twice during the season. His top performance came in Week 15 against the Dallas Cowboys, where he recorded four receptions for a season-high 86 yards and a touchdown.
New England Patriots Era (2021-2024)
On March 19, 2021, Bourne signed a three-year, $15 million contract with the New England Patriots. He made his Patriots debut in the season opener against the Dolphins. During Week 3 against the New Orleans Saints, he caught six passes for 96 yards and his first touchdown of the season from quarterback Mac Jones. A standout performance came in Week 6 against the Cowboys, where he recorded a 75-yard touchdown on his only reception of the game.
Bourne had a career-best season in 2021, recording 55 receptions for a career-high 800 yards and five touchdowns to go along with 12 carries for 125 yards in 17 games. The Patriots finished 10-7 and qualified for the playoffs as the number six seed. In the Wild Card Round against the Buffalo Bills, he had seven receptions for 77 yards and two touchdowns.
The 2022 season saw Bourne record 35 receptions for 434 yards and one touchdown in 16 games. He garnered attention in December 2022 for publicly criticizing team decisions and play-calling after a loss to the Bills. In 2023, Bourne suffered a torn ACL during a game against the Dolphins in October, which ended his season. He finished 2023 with 37 receptions for 406 yards and four touchdowns in eight games. In March 2024, Bourne signed a three-year, $33 million contract extension with the Patriots. After beginning the season on the reserve/PUP list, he was activated in October and finished the 2024 season with 28 receptions for 305 yards and one touchdown in 12 games. The Patriots released Bourne on August 27, 2025, per his request.
Return to San Francisco 49ers (2025)
On September 9, 2025, Bourne signed a one-year contract worth up to $5 million to reunite with the 49ers. He made his season debut in Week 2 against the Saints, finishing with three receptions for 32 yards. Three weeks later against the Rams on Thursday Night Football, Bourne was the leading receiver with 10 receptions for 142 yards in a 26-23 overtime road victory. He finished the 2025 season with 37 receptions for 551 yards in 16 games. The 49ers finished third in the NFC West with a 12-5 record and qualified for the playoffs as the number six seed, though Bourne recorded no statistics in the postseason before the team lost to the Seahawks in the Divisional Round.
Arizona Cardinals (2026-Present)
On March 9, 2026, Bourne signed a two-year contract worth $10 million with the Arizona Cardinals. This move marked the latest chapter in his NFL career, joining a new team where he will continue to contribute as a wide receiver.
Playing Style and Strengths
Kendrick Bourne has established himself as a reliable possession receiver with good size at 6 feet 1 inch and 203 pounds. He has demonstrated the ability to make contested catches and find openings in opposing defenses. Throughout his career, Bourne has shown versatility by contributing in the running game on end-arounds and reverses, recording double-digit rushing yards in multiple seasons. His consistency and football intelligence have allowed him to remain a valuable member of every team he has played for.
Notable Events and Milestones
Bourne’s career highlights include playing in Super Bowl LIV with the 49ers in 2019 and earning a Super Bowl ring appearance in his second professional season. His 2021 season with the Patriots stands out as his most productive, setting career highs in receptions and receiving yards. He has also been recognized for his special teams contributions and his ability to come up with clutch receptions in crucial moments of games.
Kendrick Bourne Career Statistics
Through the 2025 NFL season, Kendrick Bourne has compiled impressive career statistics across his time with the San Francisco 49ers and New England Patriots. His consistent production has made him a reliable target for multiple quarterbacks throughout his career.
NFL Career Highlights
Bourne entered the NFL as an undrafted free agent in 2017 and has since developed into a dependable NFL receiver. His best season came in 2021 with the Patriots when he recorded 55 receptions for 800 yards and five touchdowns. He has demonstrated his ability to make significant contributions both as a receiver and occasional ball carrier, with his rushing statistics adding another dimension to his game.
Career Statistics Summary
| Season | Team | Receptions | Receiving Yards | Touchdowns |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 | San Francisco 49ers | 16 | 257 | 0 |
| 2018 | San Francisco 49ers | 42 | 487 | 4 |
| 2019 | San Francisco 49ers | 30 | 358 | 5 |
| 2020 | San Francisco 49ers | 49 | 667 | 2 |
| 2021 | New England Patriots | 55 | 800 | 5 |
| 2022 | New England Patriots | 35 | 434 | 1 |
| 2023 | New England Patriots | 37 | 406 | 4 |
| 2024 | New England Patriots | 28 | 305 | 1 |
| 2025 | San Francisco 49ers | 37 | 551 | 0 |
Kendrick Bourne Family and Personal Life
Family Background and Heritage
Kendrick Bourne was born in Portland, Oregon, to an African-American father and a Samoan mother. His multicultural background has been an important part of his identity throughout his life. Bourne has frequently spoken about the importance of his Samoan heritage and the values instilled in him by his family.
Personal Life
Outside of football, Kendrick Bourne has pursued interests beyond the gridiron. On January 9, 2025, the song “Red and Gold Timin'” by rapper Miles Minnick was released, featuring Bourne performing the second verse. This collaboration marked an entry into music, showcasing his versatility and interests beyond athletics. Bourne is known for his presence on social media, where he connects with fans and shares glimpses of his life and career. His journey from an undrafted free agent to a sustained NFL contributor demonstrates his determination and work ethic.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season marked a reunion for Kendrick Bourne with the San Francisco 49ers organization that first gave him his NFL opportunity. Signed on September 9, Bourne made his presence felt quickly in the offense. His standout performance came in Week 5 against the Los Angeles Rams on Thursday Night Football, where he led the team with 10 receptions for 142 yards in an exciting 26-23 overtime victory. He followed that up with another strong game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, recording five receptions for 142 yards.
Bourne finished the 2025 season with 37 receptions for 551 yards in 16 games and eight starts, showing he remained a reliable contributor. The 49ers finished third in the NFC West with a 12-5 record and earned the number six seed in the playoffs. While Bourne did not record statistics in the postseason, his regular-season contributions helped the team secure a playoff berth. The 49ers’ season ended with a Divisional Round loss to the Seattle Seahawks, but Bourne’s return to the organization and solid production positioned him for continued opportunities in the NFL. His ability to contribute immediately upon joining the 49ers demonstrated his readiness and football intelligence accumulated over nine seasons in the league.