Bourne expresses his appreciation for Shanahan after post-match chat leaked

Bourne expresses his appreciation for Shanahan after postgame chat leaks originally surfaced on NBC Sports Bay Area

Kendrick Bourne has great love for his former coach Kyle Shanahan and the 49ers organization.

The New England Patriots wide receiver reacted on social media Monday to a video of him hugging Shanahan after the 49ers' 30-13 win over the Patriots on Sunday at Levi's Stadium.

“Thanks so much for everything, man,” Bourne told Shanahan, then added a message about remembering his roots.

San Francisco signed Bourne as an undrafted free agent in 2017, and he played four seasons with the franchise before signing with New England in 2021. Clearly, Shanahan and the rest of the organization saw something in him, and Bourne was able to showcase his tough performances into a big payday with the Patriots.

Bourne would have been part of the potential Brandon Aiyuk trade package between the two teams this offseason, Matt Maiocco of NBC Sports Bay Area reported, but a deal never materialized.

While the 29-year-old was unable to play on Sunday as he recovered from a torn ACL he suffered last season, he traveled with the team and enjoyed the sights and sounds of his old home.

Even if he had played, Bourne would have had a difficult time as the entire Patriots offense struggled to do anything against Fred Warner and the rest of the 49ers defense. San Francisco dominated much of the game, picking off New England quarterback Jacoby Brissett and sacking him six times in addition to Warner's incredible pick-six.

Bourne is expected to return to practice this week, and this comes at a crucial time for New England's offense, which has struggled so far this season.

Unfortunately, a reunion on the field against the 49ers will have to wait.

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