San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Kendrick Bourne’s journey into the NFL isn’t your typical story.
He isn’t from a big school, Eastern Washington University (EWU), probably best known for being the only stadium in college football to have a red playing surface.
He was overshadowed in college by wideout partner Cooper Kupp who was picked up by the Rams in the third-round of the 2017 draft.
In the same draft, Bourne ended up being overlooked entirely and was only given a lifeline by the 49ers as a free agent signing.
Since then he’s very much flown under the radar to become one of the 49ers most dependable receivers.
In three seasons he has amassed nine touchdowns and 1100+ yards from 88 receptions.
Back in March the 49ers showed their intention of keeping him around for longer after they placed a second-round tender on him.
“[I’m] thrilled and thankful for Niners for still believing in me after three years, believing for year four and just ready to attack it”, he said on the 49ers Insider Podcast.
Bourne has established himself as somewhat of a spiritual leader in San Francisco. “The locker room is just so loose,” his veteran teammate Emmanuel Sanders said.
“I feel we’ve got a great core of guys. Just look at Kendrick Bourne … how he was even acting after getting a catch — smiling, having a good time.”
NCAA rules prohibited Bourne from excessive celebrations during his time at Eastern Washington so he’s taken full advantage of the freedom to be himself in the NFL end-zone.
Bourne wasn’t exactly known for blazing speed in college so to be able to develop into one of the Niners’ most dependable wideouts is something special.
“People get caught up in test and combine numbers, and that’s not really his thing,” his former EWU head coach Beau Baldwin said of Bourne.
“He has football speed and can get up and get the football [and] he makes the tough catch look easy.”
Bourne has shown a fierce competitiveness to be able to get himself into the position he is in today despite not being drafted. His enthusiasm and flamboyancy has transformed him into a fan favorite and something of a cult hero.
Kendrick also knows whats at stake playing at the 49ers.
“Now when you come into this building or this organization, you have to know what we’re playing for, what we’re trying to be.”, he told ESPN.
Bourne, a proud and jovial Samoan, deals with stress in different ways in typical Polynesian style.
He’ll smile and dance his way out of stress in an infectious way that is having a positive impact across the entire organization.
Veteran teammate Kyle Juszczyk believes Bourne’s personality is a reason why the team remains positive even in the face of adversity.
“It’s incredible positive energy that’s infectious and it rubs off on everyone else,”Juszczyk said. “It keeps things up and keeps things loose. Yes, he may be goofing around but he’s still very locked in.”
Kendrick’s mentality is reminiscent to that of former Pittsburgh Steeler, 8x Pro Bowler and 2x Super Bowl Champion Troy Polamalu. “I have developed a Samoan mentality. You have to be a gentleman everywhere but on the field”.
Related: Samoan Mentality: Why Polynesian Islanders are Built for Sports
And although Polamalu’s game may have referenced his own physical side, it’s Bourne’s mental side that is the killer instinct out on the field.
Niners coach Kyle Shanahan believes his approach which may occasionally lead to the odd mistake, has benefits on the biggest stage. Where others might choke, Bourne remains stoic and fearless.
“I think it’s kind of his gift and his curse. It’s also why he’s never freaking out out there, either. I mean, he is loose and the game is not too big for him, no matter what the situation is.”
The beautiful part about watching Bourne is that he’s a part of a new generational wave of Polynesian talent, a heritage which he is extremely proud of.
Traditionally Samoans have been must haves on the offensive line or as defensive tackles in team lineups. The elite and talented pipeline has extended to true skill positions, where linebackers like Junior Seau and safety Polamalu paved the way for others to follow.
It’s also extended in recent years to the quarterback position with Tua Tagaviloa and Marcus Mariota as well as for wide receivers JuJu Smith-Schuster and Kendrick himself.
With all the Polynesians who have played there remaines one thing in common. They all have the Samoan mentality and each and every one of them have had a positive impact on the field and more importantly, off the field for their organizations.