LAS VEGAS (AFP) — Just under two years ago, Brock Purdy was a little-known college quarterback embarking on a National Football League career with few expectations.
Picked by the San Francisco 49ers with the 262nd and final selection of the 2022 Draft, the fresh-faced youngster was crowned that year’s “Mr. Irrelevant” — the disparaging tag bestowed on the player chosen last from the pool of college talent entering the NFL each season.
At least one scouting report on Purdy suggested the quarterback was set to live up to his unflattering new nickname.
“Not a very good athlete — limited arm, both in strength and throw repertoire,” the report read.
But fast-forward to 2024 and Purdy is on the brink of history, leading the 49ers into the Super Bowl showdown against the defending champion Kansas City Chiefs, where “Mr. Irrelevant” could complete his remarkable transformation into San Francisco’s “Mr. Right.”
At the start of his rookie season, Purdy was the 49ers’ third-choice quarterback, way down the pecking order behind Trey Lance (chosen third in the draft overall a year earlier), and Jimmy Garoppolo.
Yet, it soon became clear to 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan that Purdy was the pick of his signal-callers.
Purdy got his chance later that season when injuries thrust him into the starting role.
A series of composed performances followed, with Purdy leading the 49ers to within one game of the Super Bowl before their playoff run ended in defeat to Philadelphia.
Purdy was injured early in that National Football Conference Championship game but had done enough to convince Shanahan to stick with the youngster, and this season the 24-year-old has repaid that faith.
After leading San Francisco to the No. 1 seeding in the regular season, Purdy’s poise and precision under pressure was critical in nerve-shredding playoff victories over Green Bay and Detroit.
While other quarterbacks around the league have stronger arms or flashier skillsets, Purdy’s calling card is clear-eyed, unfussy efficiency.
“Brock understands his role: He’s calm in the pocket. He has a great presence and he’s not trying to knock you out with the football,” was the glowing appraisal from 49ers legend Joe Montana.
Another 49ers great, Steve Young, said NFL teams who ignored Purdy in the draft two years ago, had overlooked one key quality in the quarterback’s make-up.
“Quarterback is really about guile and an innate gift from heaven, to be able to have your heart rate go down when everyone else is in anxiety and pressure,” Young said.
“The draft doesn’t understand that.”
The modest, devoutly religious Purdy shrugs off those who even today remain skeptical about his ability.
