An FCS return-touchdown record-setter out of Montana who San Francisco drafted specifically to keep off other teams' rosters.
Junior Bergen turned into one of the most dangerous return men in FCS history at Montana, tying the NCAA FCS record with eight career punt-return touchdowns. The 49ers used a seventh-round pick on the Billings, Montana native in 2025, with coach Kyle Shanahan saying the team feared losing him to another club as an undrafted free agent.
Path to the league
Bergen is the sixth of eight children and grew up in Billings, Montana, where his father Simon played indoor football for the Billings Outlaws. He played four seasons at Montana from 2021-2024, starting as a running back before shifting to receiver and return duties, and the 49ers selected him 252nd overall in the seventh round of the 2025 NFL Draft.
Career highlights
Bergen tied the NCAA FCS record with eight career punt-return touchdowns and set the Montana school record with a 16.71-yard average per punt return as a senior. He totaled 4,468 career all-purpose yards, ranking sixth in Grizzlies history, and earned AP second-team All-American and first-team All-Big Sky honors.
2025 season recap
Bergen signed a four-year, $4.3 million rookie contract with San Francisco in May 2025 and was projected as a return specialist, but he was waived after final roster cuts and spent the season on the 49ers' practice squad as he continues to push for a role on offense and special teams.
Sources
- Wikipedia: Junior Bergen
- 49ers.com: Junior Bergen
Player Profile
Background
- Position
- Wide Receiver
- Group
- offense
- College
- Montana
- Hometown
- Billings, MT, USA
- Age
- 23
- Status
- active
