Jauan Jennings often reflects on the moment he received a life-changing call from the San Francisco 49ers in 2020, informing him that he would be their seventh-round draft pick. While the wide receiver initially felt disappointed that his name wasn't called earlier, he's grateful for the opportunity the 49ers gave him. He has since turned that disappointment into a flourishing NFL career.
Jennings joined Bay Area radio station KNBR on Tuesday morning, revealing that he once believed he had a shot at being a first-round pick.
"Just thinking just how hard I played, especially in the run game," Jennings explained. "I'm thinking I'm definitely going to come off the board first round. But that didn't happen. Then later on, found my team, got a call from San Francisco, and I still think about that call all the time—life-changing, and forever grateful for the Bay, San Francisco."
Now, Jennings is enjoying a breakout season, tallying 774 receiving yards and six touchdowns after signing a contract extension that keeps him in San Francisco through the 2025 season.
"I'm just forever grateful," Jennings said. "I just stayed positive, and it happened. Just trying to show that I'm worth my deal. That's just all I'm focused on."
49ers general manager John Lynch, during his own KNBR appearance, praised Jennings' development and the grit he brings to the team.
"I love everything he stands for," Lynch said. "I love watching him play football, the way he competes, whether it be going up for a 50-50 ball, the way he runs routes, the way he blocks. And he frustrates other players on other teams, but there's nothing about him that is cheap. He just plays to the end of the whistle, through the whistle, on each and every play.
"I admire the way Jauan plays. I think it lifts our team, and I'm really proud of the young man. ... I just love his enthusiasm for life. He's a fun guy to be around. He's a fun guy to watch play football. We're very fortunate to have him."
Jennings' journey wasn't without challenges. He spent his rookie season on the practice squad, a decision that initially left him disheartened.
"Not too happy," Jennings said of his feelings at the time regarding that decision. "But I just took it as another challenge to be able to get better. The facility was great. The chefs there ... our nutritionist, he was great in transforming my body. I just wanted to get better, and so I just took it as an opportunity to get better."
Earlier this week, head coach Kyle Shanahan commended Jennings for stepping into a new role on offense after Brandon Aiyuk's season-ending injury. Jennings transitioned to the split end, or X receiver, position—an adjustment he credits his coaches and teammates for helping him navigate.
"It's not been too hard," Jennings said modestly.
With their commanding 38-13 win over the Chicago Bears behind them, Jennings and the 49ers are focused on Thursday night's pivotal Week 15 showdown against the Los Angeles Rams at Levi's Stadium. Every game matters for the 6-7 49ers as they fight to keep their slim playoff hopes alive, and Jennings will undoubtedly play a key role in that effort.
Before turning his attention to Thursday night's showdown, though, Jennings emphasizes the importance of staying present and winning each day as it comes.
"I just focus on the day at hand," Jennings shared. "I feel like we got to win this Tuesday. That's what I feel like."
You can listen to Jennings' entire interview below.