Junior Bergen was selected by the San Francisco 49ers with the 252nd pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. This marks a significant milestone for the Missoula native who grew up watching the 49ers every Sunday.

Cathleen Doisher
SWX Local Sports Reporter

MISSOULA, Mont. – Junior Bergen, a former University of Montana Grizzlies star, has been drafted by the San Francisco 49ers as the 252nd pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. This move takes Bergen from Missoula to the Bay Area, joining the team he watched every Sunday growing up.

Bergen, now a wide receiver and return specialist for the 49ers, reflected on the transition to the NFL. “I think the biggest jump is probably like the attention to detail,” he said. “Everybody’s so good. And if you’re a step behind or a step where you don’t need to be, it could cost you.”

Despite the adjustments, Bergen is focused on earning his spot during the upcoming NFL training camp. He stated, “Just be hungry, you know, never be satisfied just going in and try to make plays.”

For Bergen, the reality of being drafted has yet to fully sink in. He shared his excitement, saying, “It’s hard to put into words, you know super thankful super blessed.”

Recalling the moment he got the call from the 49ers, Bergen said, “That phone call you know that’s something you kind of dream about as a kid. This is probably the quickest I ever answered a phone call in my life.”

Joining the 49ers holds special significance for Bergen. “My dad, it was probably the first team I was introduced to,” he said. “I was watching 49ers every Sunday since a little kid.”

Bergen expressed gratitude for those who supported him long before the draft. “I thank God first, and then my parents and my family. They’ve been with me every step of the way,” he said, also acknowledging the support of his coaches and teammates at the University of Montana.

As Bergen prepares for his first NFL training camp later this month, the excitement of suiting up for the 49ers is palpable. “We had our media day and as, like, putting on our real jersey for the first time. And that was, like, super sweet,” he said.

Bergen enters the camp as a seventh-round pick, aiming to secure a roster spot.