Don Kendrick Bourne was there before third-and-Jauan (Jennings). The former 49ers wide receiver praised Jennings on Radio Row in Las Vegas before Super Bowl LVIII with NBC Sports Bay Area's Matt Maiocco and Jennifer Lee Chan.
"He's an exceptional player," Bourne remarked on Wednesday. When I think of him, he's young and just kind of observing. He observed. Whatever year he was taken, he watched and learned, and that's what matters most. His personal and athletic development is something I'm really pleased with.
"He's somebody I keep up with, too, on social media, telling him to keep going and stuff like that." During his rookie season in the NFL, Bourne played for the 49ers and had a decent effect in and out of the game.
Bourne had a career-high 49 catches and 667 receiving yards in his last season with the 49ers, and he finished his four-year stint with the 49ers with 137 grabs, 1,769 yards, and eleven touchdowns. Third downs and red zone situations were where he really made an impact, though
That is now Jennings' responsibility; the 49ers rely on him time and time again in those pivotal, maybe game-changing situations. Along the way, he even acquired the most awesome moniker.
"Third-and-Jauan is fantastic," Bourne said. "The position is challenging. And if he commits fully, blocking his way and doing his things—even the tiny things—it will make a big difference. He will prepare himself for what lies ahead.
Before the 2021 NFL season, Bourne signed with the New England Patriots. However, he still keeps in touch and loves his former 49ers colleagues.
Also, according to Bourne, Jennings might be the deciding factor for the 49ers in Sunday's Super Bowl LVIII against the Chiefs of Kansas City. The 49ers are hoping to win their sixth Vince Lombardi Trophy. Bourne has graciously handed the baton on to Jennings, treating him with nothing but respect.
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