The Richard Sherman Podcast: Kendrick Bourne on Mac Jones, Fred Warner, and Growth in the League

Release Date: October 19, 2025
Duration: Approx. 37 minutes (main content from 02:17–36:57)

Episode Overview

In this engaging episode, Richard Sherman welcomes 49ers wide receiver Kendrick Bourne for a wide-ranging conversation about personal growth, leadership, overcoming adversity, and team dynamics. They delve into the reunification with Mac Jones, the emotional impact of Fred Warner’s injury, lessons from coaching, and the evolving locker room culture in San Francisco and New England. The episode is full of memorable stories, candid thoughts on mental preparation, and insights about football life on and off the field.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. The Power of Energy and Preparation

(03:24–08:17)

• Sherman and Bourne reminisce about meeting in San Francisco in 2018.
• Sherman highlights how Bourne’s joyful, energetic approach changed his perspective on game prep:
  • Quote: “I always thought you had to be so locked in ... and you used to be dancing ... then you would go out there, snag, snag, snag, clutch, catch. ... Maybe it's a different way to do it.”
    — Richard Sherman (04:23)
• Bourne reflects on maintaining balance between professionalism and fun:
  • Quote: “It goes to just enjoying the game … it kept me loose. … But as I got older, I learned how to balance it.”
    — Kendrick Bourne (05:00–06:13)

2. Growth, Maturity, and Suiting Up

(08:17–09:31)

• Sherman praises Bourne’s personal growth, from carefree youth to mature leader.
• Bourne discusses learning to present himself professionally, noting the impact of wearing suits and advice from his agent and Sherman.

3. Chemistry with Mac Jones and Life’s Unexpected Pathways

(09:31–12:15)

• Discussion about reuniting with Mac Jones and their immediate connection, rooted in experience with the Patriots.
  • Bourne credits changes in work ethic, diet, and mindset from his New England stint.
  • Quote: “When I went to New England, like, I changed how I ate and worked and took care of my body. ... And we just were connected and you could feel it. And it started to show on the field.”
    — Kendrick Bourne (10:00–11:31)

4. Handling Adversity and Setbacks

(14:57–18:38)

• Sherman addresses Bourne’s struggles—particularly a critical drop on third down, and the pressures of instant scrutiny.
  • Bourne underscores the role of adversity in growth:
    • Quote: “Everything that you go through is for a purpose. … There’s only growth in adversity and hard times.”
      — Kendrick Bourne (15:24)
    • He notes how self-belief and coach support pulled him through a short week to a career-best game:
      “It was eating at me though ... you got to have more belief than doubt.”
      — Kendrick Bourne (16:36–17:13)

5. Coaching, Criticism, and the Importance of Support

(17:49–20:06)

• Sherman highlights Kyle Shanahan’s blend of criticism and encouragement.
  • Quote: “He gave you fair criticism, but also spoke belief into you ... he believes you could do it ... and he fed you that game.”
    — Richard Sherman (17:49)
• Bourne emphasizes the value of constructive coaching and the boost from feeling trusted by staff and teammates.

6. Fred Warner’s Injury—Team Leadership and Locker Room Resilience

(20:06–22:05)

• Both discuss the emotional impact of Fred Warner’s injury, Warner’s record streak, and his powerful words to the team post-injury.
  • Quote: “His aura was still there ... he just told us not to worry about him.”
    — Kendrick Bourne (21:01)
• Focus shifts to the “next man up” mentality, turning adversity into opportunity.

7. College Years, Mentors, and the Cooper Kupp Connection

(22:05–28:07)

• Bourne shares formative stories from Eastern Washington—including his bond with Cooper Kupp and learning accountability.
  • Kupp’s early maturity and high standards are praised as pivotal influences (e.g., Kupp encouraging Bourne to take practice seriously).
  • Quote: “Coop knew he was going to the league, like his freshman year...it was the work that he was putting in.”
    — Kendrick Bourne (25:00)
• Sherman and Bourne reflect on mentorship, personal discipline, and humorous anecdotes about meeting etiquette and fashion.

8. Giving Back—Mentoring Younger Teammates

(28:07–30:08)

• Bourne and Sherman discuss the positive impact Bourne is having on Ricky (presumably Ricky Pearsall), offering support and camaraderie.
  • Quote: “It’s a connection...now we’re not competing with each other, we’re helping each other.”
    — Kendrick Bourne (28:28)

9. Looking Forward: Facing Atlanta, Team Mindset

(30:08–32:19)

• Preview of the upcoming Falcons matchup, assessing Atlanta’s strengths and respecting their recent win against Buffalo.
  • Emphasis on playing “with the right mentality” and letting adversity reveal the team's true character.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Preparation and Energy:
  “You used to be dancing and your energy is crazy and smiling and laughing. … and then you would go out there, snag, snag, snag, clutch, catch. I'm like, okay, maybe it's a different way to do it.”
  — Richard Sherman (04:16–04:28)

• On Adversity:
  “There’s only growth in adversity and hard times. … So after the game, you know, taking the L ... you self evaluate after every game ... I could have made the catches. That’s what I do know ... But you got to have more belief than doubt.”
  — Kendrick Bourne (15:24–16:44)

• On Fred Warner’s Leadership:
  “His aura was still there, right? … But that's the power he holds ... And he just told us not to worry about him.”
  — Kendrick Bourne (21:00–21:10)

• On Cooper Kupp’s Influence:
  “Coop knew he was going to the league, like his freshman year … And he came to me one day ... 'I need you to get to where I'm trying to go.' ... It really hit. … After that, I really locked in, man. Ended up having my best year.”
  — Kendrick Bourne (25:00–25:50)

"Five Quick Ones" – Rapid Fire Q&A (32:19–36:12)

• Receiver idol growing up?
  “The crazy thing, I looked up to Odell Beckham. … He was very influential on me. Just his era, the age I was at … You gotta be an entertainer, bro.”
  — Kendrick Bourne (32:31–33:13)

• Toughest corner faced:
  “Always be between Darius Slay and Papy Peterson…But I gotta give it to Pat. ... Very smart, the instincts was crazy.”
  — Kendrick Bourne (33:46–34:19)

• Favorite TD celebration:
  “The New Orleans Saints ... And the second one ... my teammates knew, I was like, hey, if I get back in that game ... let me get a little dance. … I was cutting up, bro. So that was top dog.”
  — Kendrick Bourne (34:29–35:10)

• Pre-game hype song:
  “A gospel rap song by Keon Boone. It's called Where's My Phone?... Give me hot. Give me a nav mode. Feed my spirit, but give me hype at the same time.”
  — Kendrick Bourne (35:37–36:04)

• Best trash talker faced:
  “Jalen Ramsey. ... He was the worst, bro. ... He was talking like, 'You ain’t gonna get no cash today.'”
  — Kendrick Bourne (36:12–36:31)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Energy and Game Preparation: (03:24–08:17)
• Growth and Professionalism: (08:17–09:31)
• Mac Jones Chemistry: (09:31–12:15)
• Handling Drops & Adversity: (14:57–18:38)
• Kyle Shanahan's Coaching: (17:49–20:06)
• Fred Warner Injury: (20:06–22:05)
• College/Eastern Washington Stories: (22:05–28:07)
• Mentoring Ricky: (28:07–30:08)
• Atlanta Game Preview: (30:08–32:19)
• Rapid Fire Q&A: (32:19–36:12)

Tone and Themes

The episode is upbeat, reflective, and candid. Sherman’s admiration for Bourne’s growth is evident, and Bourne is open about his struggles and triumphs. The conversation is rich with layered reflections about life, growth, and football—equal parts motivational and revealing.

Summary Takeaway

This episode offers listeners an inspiring look at Kendrick Bourne’s journey—from youthful exuberance to locker-room leader, shaped by adversity and mentorship. It’s a window into the emotional and mental aspects of the NFL, and how relationships, coaching, and perseverance define a player beyond just the stats. Bourne’s journey with Mac Jones, his response to setbacks, and the team’s reaction to Fred Warner’s injury all reinforce a central message: NFL success is as much about heart, resilience, and support as it is about talent.