San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Kendrick Bourne’s journey into the NFL isn’t your typical story.

He’s from Eastern Washington University (EWU). A small school, best known for being the only stadium in college football to have a red playing surface.

In college he was always overshadowed by wideout partner Cooper Kupp, picked up by the Rams in the third-round of the 2017 draft.

In the same draft, Bourne ended up being overlooked entirely. Fortunately he was given a lifeline by the 49ers as a free agent signing.

Since then he’s flown very much under the radar to become one of the 49ers most dependable receivers.

In three seasons he’s amassed nine touchdowns and 1100+ yards from 88 receptions.

49ers place a second-round tender

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”, 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. 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 going undrafted.

A cult hero and fan favorite

His enthusiasm and flamboyancy has transformed him into a fan favorite and something of a cult hero.

Kendrick also knows what’s 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 typical of the Polynesian way.

He’ll smile and dance his way out of stress in an infectious way. It’s a trait that’s 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.”

A Samoan mentality

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 game that is his strength.

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 he is extremely proud of.

Traditionally Samoans have been must haves on the offensive line or as defensive tackles in team lineups.

The Samoan elites have now extended to true skill positions, where linebackers like Junior Seau and safety Polamalu paved the way for others to follow.

In recent years quarterbacks Tua Tagaviloa and Marcus Mariota as well wide receivers JuJu Smith-Schuster and Kendrick are making themselves known on the NFL stage.

With all the Polynesians who have played there remains 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.