Kendrick Bourne is riding high this holiday season - and not just because he helped the 49ers lock in a big win. The veteran wide receiver secured a cool $500,000 incentive bonus with his first catch Monday night against the Colts, pushing him over the 500-yard mark on the season. One yard was all he needed heading into Week 16, and he got it right out of the gate.
Now, Bourne's ready to spread the wealth - literally.
Bourne Hits Bonus, Plans to Pay It Forward
The 30-year-old wideout is playing this season on a one-year, incentive-heavy deal with San Francisco, and hitting that 500-yard milestone unlocked a significant payday. But Bourne isn’t keeping it all to himself. In a chat with the NFL on CBS YouTube crew, he made it clear: the wide receiver room is about to feel the love.
“I told my receiver room that everybody getting some money,” Bourne said. “I told them, I ain’t got the money right now, give me a day, I’ll be back in the office. When you get a blessing, you gotta bless people back.”
That’s classic Bourne - high energy, team-first, and always looking to keep the locker room vibe strong. He joked that the rookies have been nudging him for a little holiday generosity. And with the bonus freshly earned, Bourne’s ready to deliver.
“It’s the giving season, so I’m in that mood,” he added. “We gonna bless some people, buy some stuff.”
Mac Jones on the "Naughty List" - Kind Of
While Bourne’s in the holiday spirit, there’s one teammate he teased about being left off the gift list: backup quarterback Mac Jones.
“Nah, Mac’s not getting (anything),” Bourne joked with CBS Sports’ Matt Lively on Christmas Eve. Of course, he quickly clarified that he was just playing around. In fact, Jones might be getting exactly what he’s been eyeing - a pair of Cartier glasses.
The two have shared the field in a unique way this season. With injuries hitting the 49ers’ offense - including a stint without starting QB Brock Purdy - Jones stepped in under center, and Bourne became a key target during that stretch. He helped carry the load when San Francisco was thin at pass-catcher, proving his value not just as a veteran presence, but as a reliable option in crunch time.
Climbing to 500 Yards the Hard Way
Bourne’s road to 500 yards hasn’t been a straight line. Early in the season, he was a crucial part of the offense, especially as injuries piled up.
But as the Niners got healthier, his role naturally shifted. Targets became harder to come by, and the path to that incentive got steeper.
Still, he stayed ready. That one-yard catch on Monday night might not have made the highlight reel, but it was a testament to Bourne’s consistency and professionalism - a player who understands his role, shows up when called upon, and keeps the energy light, even in the heat of a playoff push.
Now, with the 49ers eyeing a deep postseason run, Bourne’s leadership in the locker room and willingness to share the spotlight (and the bonus money) is exactly the kind of thing that bonds a team.
So while Kendrick Bourne may be $500,000 richer, it’s clear he’s more focused on giving than receiving this Christmas. And if you’re in the Niners’ receiver room, that’s a gift that keeps on giving.