After signing his first professional contract with the San Francisco 49ers, rookie Javon Kinlaw took it to Instagram to pen a heartfelt message.
“Grew up Tryna figure out why God put us through so much heartache. He knew I was a soldier. He knew I was solid to the bone. That’s the only reason I ever took it this far,” Kinlaw wrote. “Somebody tell my momma I became a millionaire today. Somebody tell her that her prayers was answered.
“God, I appreciate you big homie. Even though I don’t feel like I deserve it imma keep it goin because that’s all I know. Imma go down a leged for everything I went through and still made it here for this. I appreciate the 49ers organization for letting me chase my dreams and be one hell of a father.”
https://www.instagram.com/p/CB6Ip19noL8/
Kinlaw has had plenty of adversity to overcome throughout his life. As a child, Kinlaw and his family were homeless in Washington D.C. before moving to South Carolina at 13 and eventually launching his college career — first at Jones County Junior College then at the University of South Carolina.
Kinlaw spent three seasons at South Carolina after arriving in 2017. However, during his freshman season, he had a limited role, recording only 17 tackles, a couple of tackles for loss and a forced fumble. The following season, Kinlaw received more playing time, registering 30 tackles, four sacks, nine tackles for loss, and a pair of forced fumbles.
The young defensive tackle was drafted 14th overall by the 49ers in the 2020 NFL draft.
With the 49ers, Javon Kinlaw will now join a dominant defensive front that includes Nick Bosa and Arik Armstead. Kinlaw, 22, is expected to earn approximately $15.5 million over four years, with an $8.8 million signing bonus.
Follow Us
Subscribe