Kendrick Bourne ready to run through a wall for Cardinals' Mike LaFleur

The wide receiver is excited to reunite with his former 49ers position coach and help lead the Cardinals' pass-catching corps.

Mar. 13, 2026 at 12:56am by Ben Kaplan

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New Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Kendrick Bourne spoke about his admiration for the franchise, dating back to a memorable game-winning catch by Hall of Famer Larry Fitzgerald. Bourne is also eager to reunite with Cardinals head coach Mike LaFleur, who was his position coach with the San Francisco 49ers early in his career. Bourne is looking forward to contributing to a talented Cardinals receiving group led by Trey McBride, Michael Wilson, and Marvin Harrison Jr.

Why it matters

Bourne's connection to the Cardinals' culture and his relationship with LaFleur could help the team as they look to build on a strong 2025 season. The wide receiver's veteran leadership and familiarity with the coaching staff should provide a boost to the Cardinals' passing attack.

The details

Bourne recalled being impressed by a game-winning catch from Fitzgerald, which helped shape his view of the Cardinals as a competitive franchise. He's now excited to be a part of that culture. Bourne also has a strong relationship with new Cardinals head coach Mike LaFleur, who was his position coach with the 49ers early in his career. Bourne said he'll 'run through a wall' for LaFleur and is eager to help the team's young receiving corps, which includes tight end Trey McBride and wide receivers Michael Wilson and Marvin Harrison Jr.

  • In 2017, Fitzgerald had a game-winning touchdown catch against the 49ers in overtime.
  • Bourne signed a two-year deal with the Cardinals in March 2026.

The players

Kendrick Bourne

A wide receiver who previously played for the San Francisco 49ers and is now joining the Arizona Cardinals on a two-year deal.

Mike LaFleur

The new head coach of the Arizona Cardinals, who previously worked as the passing game coordinator and wide receivers coach for the 49ers when Bourne was there.

Larry Fitzgerald

A Hall of Fame wide receiver who spent his entire career with the Arizona Cardinals and made a memorable game-winning catch that impressed Bourne.

Trey McBride

The Cardinals' starting tight end, who Bourne is excited to play with and help grow.

Michael Wilson

A Cardinals wide receiver who Bourne has already connected with, including after a 185-yard game performance.

Marvin Harrison Jr.

A Cardinals wide receiver who Bourne has been a fan of since his college days.

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What they’re saying

“He had a game-winning catch. I don't know what year it was, but it was crazy. That's when I was like, 'Okay yeah, Arizona is different.' It's always competitive … that's something that I always noticed.”

— Kendrick Bourne, Wide Receiver

“That's my guy. He helped me so much my rookie year. He actually was one of the people that brought me into the league and so he developed me well in the receivers room and we just had a strong connection, strong relationship. He's somebody that I'm very close to and I'm passionate about so I'll run through a wall for that guy.”

— Kendrick Bourne, Wide Receiver

What’s next

Bourne will look to quickly integrate himself into the Cardinals' offense and help lead the team's talented receiving corps as they aim to build on their strong 2025 season.

The takeaway

Bourne's familiarity with the Cardinals' culture and his close relationship with new head coach Mike LaFleur could provide a significant boost to the team's passing attack as they look to compete for a playoff spot in 2026.