Overview of 3 & Out - Justin Jefferson and Kendrick Bourne join the podcast
This episode of 3 & Out (The Volume / iHeartPodcasts) from Radio Row features host John Middlecoff (on-site at Super Bowl week) with two player interviews: Justin Jefferson and Kendrick Bourne. The show mixes Super Bowl commentary, Radio Row observations, and two in-depth player conversations about careers, team culture, position reputations, and personal mindset. The episode includes multiple sponsor ad reads throughout.
Episode structure & highlights
- Opening Radio Row commentary from the host: Super Bowl vibes, nostalgic take on Ronnie Lott, San Francisco anecdotes and weather, and quick thoughts about Sam Darnold as a potential Super Bowl MVP.
- Interview 1 — Justin Jefferson: conversation about media moments, preparation for broadcasting, dealing with public scrutiny, Sam Darnold praise, draft-day memory, and positional labels.
- Interview 2 — Kendrick Bourne: his release and return to the 49ers, signing in Week 2, playing with Mac Jones and Brock Purdy’s injury timeline, being an undrafted success story, experiences under Kyle Shanahan and Bill Belichick, and free-agent outlook.
- Numerous ad reads (Verizon, State Farm, Grainger, Apple Card, Hard Rock Bet, Prime Video, Xfinity, Toyota, Public Investing, Big O Tires, etc.).
Key takeaways
From the host / Radio Row
- Host praises Ronnie Lott as "criminally underrated" and recounts a night of 49ers legends.
- Observations on San Francisco during Super Bowl week: great weather but urban quirks, and fashion layering advice for Bay Area microclimates.
- Super Bowl preview angle: Sam Darnold is receiving acclaim and is a betting favorite for MVP; historically quarterbacks tend to win the award.
Justin Jefferson (main points)
- Career outlook: plans to play as long as possible — “I’m going to play until it’s all said and done.”
- Media comfort: has experience being mic'd up and in on-camera segments; learning to handle soundbites and the attention that comes with success.
- Public scrutiny: accepts that being a high-profile player invites questions and criticism; emphasizes staying true to teammates and the organization.
- Sam Darnold: Jefferson praised Darnold’s season-to-season improvement and resilience; expressed hope for his success in the Super Bowl context.
- Draft & position narrative: recalled draft-day confusion and being pegged as a slot receiver despite film showing versatility; stressed that film would show he's more than a slot-only threat.
Notable quote: “It comes with territory… they want answers. And the only way is to get those answers is from the face of the franchise.”
Kendrick Bourne (main points)
- Release and return: described being released earlier in his career as humbling; signed with the 49ers in Week 2 and credits faith and perseverance for his return.
- Impact in 2023 season: stepped in during Purdy’s injury and formed chemistry with Mac Jones; enjoyed productive games during a stretch where he and Mac connected.
- Undrafted-to-Super Bowl arc: proud of making an NFL roster as an undrafted free agent and building a multi-year career — sees his longevity as testament to mindset and work ethic.
- Coaching influences: praised Kyle Shanahan for development and culture-building; credited Bill Belichick and the Patriots for giving him his “first payday” and teaching football and professionalism.
- Free agency outlook: open to returning to San Francisco but is willing to go where there's opportunity to compete and help a team win.
Notable quotes:
- “God’s plan is always better.” (on unexpected career turns)
- “Bill gave me my first payday… I’m always thankful for that.”
Notable moments & color
- Host’s passionate shout-out to Ronnie Lott as an underappreciated all-time great.
- Jefferson addressing the challenge of being scrutinized as a franchise face and balancing public commentary with team loyalty.
- Bourne’s candid reflection on being released, using it as motivation, and the emotional arc of returning to the 49ers.
- Several light, human moments: players reflecting on draft-day confusion, rookie memories, and how coaches shaped their approach.
Audience value / Who should listen
- Vikings and LSU fans who want Justin Jefferson’s perspective on media, legacy, and draft-day memories.
- 49ers/Patriots/NFL fans who want Kendrick Bourne’s story: undrafted success, coach-player development (Kyle Shanahan, Bill Belichick), locker-room perspective, and free-agent mindset.
- Listeners interested in player mentality: handling scrutiny, career resilience, and the importance of coaching culture.
Quick actionable notes (for listeners)
- If you want Jefferson’s reflections on being labeled a slot receiver and his draft story, listen to his segment.
- If you want a veteran undrafted-player success narrative and behind-the-scenes coach reflections, listen to Bourne’s segment.
- Expect multiple short ad reads; the interviews are interspersed with sponsor messages.
Notable quotes (quick reference)
- Justin Jefferson: “I’m going to play until it’s all said and done.”
- Jefferson on scrutiny: “They want answers. And the only way is to get those answers is from the face of the franchise.”
- Kendrick Bourne: “God’s plan is always better.”
- Bourne on Belichick: “Bill gave me my first payday… I’m always thankful for that.”