Though he was mildly surprised New England showed interest and wasn’t sure exactly how his energetic personality might fit in the business-first world of Foxborough, less than a week after joining the Patriots as a free agent addition wide receiver Kendrick Bourne is excited to get to work in his new NFL home.
“I almost didn’t’ have a decision, it was the best decision on the table,” Bourne said of his reported three-year, $22.5million deal with New England. “Great organization to be a part of. It was kind of second hand that I wanted to be there, wanted to learn with Bill [Belichick] and all those people. Just a great experience. Glad I was picked by this group of people, man. The organization has been great for a long time. I’m just excited to join a great place, man. I know they are going to develop me into a better player. So it was just dope to be picked in those chosen few of free agents.”
Bourne had heard stories about life as a Patriot from his quarterback in San Francisco, Jimmy Garoppolo, as well as his 49ers wide receivers coach, Wes Welker. After career highs of 49 receptions and 667 yards in 2020, and 11 touchdowns over the last three years, the former undrafted player out of Eastern Washington is hoping to take his career to the next level in New England.
“I think my skills fit the offense well. I can do different things,” 6-1, 203-pound receiver said in his first video call with the local media.
“Wherever they want to put me is my main thing. I’m just here to do what I’m asked to do. If I have to run the same route 50 times I’m gonna run the same route 50 times 50 different ways. I feel like I can do anything. I’m definitely excited. They’re going to turn it around in one year, I can honestly see it.
The first day in the building I could feel how natural our connection was between the players, first time meeting each other it was just natural energy, positive energy. I feel like it’s going to be an awesome year. I can’t wait.”
Joining a team and an offense that struggled in its first season without Tom Brady, Bourne referenced a quick turnaround a number of times in his nearly 20-mintue meeting with the media. He expressed excitement in playing with Cam Newton – “I believe in Cam Newton” -- and said he expects to throw with him in Atlanta, while he’s already in California set to join Jarrett Stidham for some throwing sessions.
“Like I said, I had a whole misconception about the whole place, thinking it was too serious or whatever it may be. And it just wasn’t,” Bourne declared. “It was awesome to get a call from a place like that. I know it was the best decision for me. Like organization wise, they’re going to be set up, they’re going to win again. That was just a one-year thing, I feel like. I knew I wanted to be a part of the new era, whatever you want to call it. I don’t know. But just to be picked with a great group of guys by a great organization it just shows me my potential. I don’t put a ceiling on myself. I feel like I can prevail more in this offense. I don’t even know, we’ll just see.”
Already in his playbook and getting prepped to throw with both his possible quarterbacks, Bourne is all smiles hitting the ground running with his new team.
“I’m a hard worker. Work ethic has to be through the roof,” he said. “I was telling my family New England is not, this is not no joke. I’m taking this seriously. They are serious in this building and I want them to take me seriously. I want respect. I haven’t earned anything yet. I haven’t done anything yet. All I got was word in the media saying I got this much money. I haven’t made any money so I have to go earn the money.
“I’m excited for the journey. These next three years, I just have to make it count.”
