3 & Out - Justin Jefferson and Kendrick Bourne join the podcast

Live from Radio Row, and yeah, it really feels like podcast row. Kendrick Bourne is with us, Richard Sherman ducked out earlier but promised to circle back, and you can catch the interviews on Netflix too. Last night was a blast: a 49ers Night of Champions with Ronnie Lott, Joe Montana, Tom Rathman, and John Taylor, hosted by Chris Berman. It reminded me how wildly underrated Ronnie Lott is; Montana called him the heart and soul, and the guy could hit like Lynch and cover like a true island corner. San Francisco is gorgeous and chaotic at once—watch your step, dress in layers, and hope the Super Bowl weather cooperates. Seattle’s in the big one at the Niners’ place and might take it, and if they do, Sam Darnold’s a real shot at MVP because history leans quarterback. I’m short on sleep, but let’s sling some takes and dive into the interviews.

Justin Jefferson joins us. You were mic’d up in preseason and crushed it. You know anything you say goes everywhere. Does all the quarterback and front office stuff make you hesitant, or are you good living in that storm?

I’ve had to answer those questions all year, so I don’t get rattled. I just tell the truth—what’s working, what needs work—and keep it about the team. On Sam, I’m happy for him. People counted him out, he steadied himself, and now he’s here. I hope he finishes the journey.

When did you feel he had it? Camp, OTAs, or a few games in? You dealt with a lot at quarterback.

He flashed in camp with the arm and command. When JJ went down, he became the guy, and we built that connection fast. The season tested me too; everyone wanted reactions, but I stayed aligned with the locker room and led the way I’m supposed to.

You’re the face, so every shrug or side glance gets dissected. Fair or not, it’s on you. What’s the growth key for your young QB this offseason?

That spotlight comes with the job and the league’s scale. Fans want answers, and they look to you. For our quarterback, it’s patience and extra work. Year one is an education. Give it time and keep stacking reps.

Draft night still lives online. Everyone linked you to Philly, then Minnesota called. And people labeled you a slot. How do you look back at that now?

A lot of mocks had me to the Eagles, so I thought that was the call. It was the Vikings, and I was fired up to go in the first. As for the slot tag, that was my first year inside; before that I lived outside. With me, Ja’Marr, and Terrace, someone had to move. It showed my versatility, even if it got misread. I’m glad I landed in Minnesota. Great building, great setup. Now it’s about turning that into what we’re chasing.

Super Bowl week now with Kendrick Bourne, who’s played for Kyle Shanahan, then Bill Belichick, and back to Kyle. You got released, then found your way home. How did that unfold—and how wild was it when Purdy got hurt and suddenly you and Mac Jones went off?

Getting released stings, but I kept my head. Teams called, I had ties in San Francisco, and it felt right. I signed in week two, then the quarterback carousel hit and Mac stepped in. Our New England chemistry made it easy. We just cooked and made the most of it.

Your path is pure NFL. Undrafted, made the team out of camp, went to a Super Bowl, earned a second deal, and you’re a decade in. First time getting released could break some guys. How’d you handle it?

Ten years in, it’s about steady perspective. I once said I’d never get released, then it happened. So you choose: let it sink you or use it as fuel. I chose fuel, and it led me right back home.

Niners and Seattle is a war, but there’s respect, especially for Sam. What do you see in Seattle, and what’s free agency look like for you? Also, what’s it really like playing for Kyle?

Seattle’s legit. McDonald’s confident, that defense is real, and Sam is balling. I’d love to be back with the Niners, but I’m open to the best opportunity. Kyle is brilliant and demanding with receivers. Learning his system early made Josh McDaniels’ world easier later. The culture Kyle built creates head coaches because the foundation is that strong.

Not many have played for both Kyle and Bill. What did that teach you? And take me back to that three-pass game in the wind against Buffalo. Where do you land on Bill’s legacy?

It’s rare, and I’m grateful. They even connected about me and both vouched, which means a lot. They’re intense and detail-locked, so I bring energy to loosen the room and still meet the standard. That wind game was insane; Josh leaned on the run, and it worked. Bill changed my life—gave me my first payday and a way to live. I’m always rooting for him. He’s a Hall guy, no question.

Kendrick, congrats on the run and good luck in free agency. Appreciate the time. More from Radio Row soon.